Bombay High Court convicts Tarun Tejpal in 2013 sexual assault case; sets aside acquittal
The Bombay High Court has convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of rape, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a lower court. The court is currently deliberating on the sentencing, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty.
Why it matters
This is a high-profile legal case involving a prominent media figure, highlighting judicial processes regarding sexual assault in India.
The Bombay High Court on Thursday (August 6, 2026) convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal on charges of rape in a 2013 sexual assault case and set aside a sessions court order acquitting him.
A Bench of Justices Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar of the HC’s Goa Bench said it would pronounce its order on sentencing in the afternoon.
Tejpal has been convicted under sections 376 (2)(f) (person who is a guardian or in a position of trust or authority rapes a woman), 354 (a) (sexual harassment) and 354 (b) (using criminal force on a woman with an intent to disrobe her) of the Indian Penal Code.
Under section 376, Tejpal faces a minimum punishment of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
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