Goa government’s appeal against Tarun Tejpal’s acquittal in rape case: Bombay HC issues notice

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday issued notice to Tarun Tejpal, former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka magazine, in the appeal challenging his acquittal in the sexual assault case against his former female subordinate at Tehelka.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Goa government submitted that the judgment lacked complete sensitivity.

After a brief hearing, Justice SC Gupte stated that there is a prima facie case made out to grant leave to hear appeal, Bar & Bench reported.

He also called for records and proceedings of the lower court.

On May 21, the trial court had acquitted Tejpal of all charges which included wrongful confinement, assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment along with rape against his female colleague which was challenged by the state of Goa.

The state then filed an appeal before the Bombay High Court calling for the setting aside of the acquittal order and seeking a retrial.

When the appeal came up for hearing last week, the High Court ordered the trial court to redact the references to the identity of prosecutrix and her family members in the judgment.

The court also permitted Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s request to amend the grounds in the appeal since the state received the judgment only on May 25.