Supreme Court Delays Hearing on Tarun Tejpal's Conviction Appeal

The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on Tarun Tejpal's appeal against his conviction and 10-year sentence in a 2013 rape case until November 5. Tejpal's lawyer has requested temporary release for Diwali, while the Goa government seeks a harsher sentence. The case has seen significant legal back-and-forth since the initial acquittal in 2021, raising questions about justice and the legal process. Stay tuned for updates as the court prepares to revisit this high-profile case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 15:31 IST

Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing on Tejpal's Case

File image of ex-Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal(Photo: @DesiEsco7/X)

New Delhi, Nov 3: The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing regarding the appeals made by Tarun Tejpal, the former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka, who is contesting his conviction and the 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence related to a 2013 rape case. The next hearing is scheduled for November 5.

A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale decided to adjourn the session after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Goa government, requested additional time.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Tejpal, did not object to the delay but requested that his client be allowed to return home for Diwali celebrations. He stated, "If he needs more time, that’s fine. But let (Tejpal) come out during Diwali."

In response, SG Mehta argued against this request, emphasizing Tejpal's conviction. Sibal countered, questioning why Tejpal should remain incarcerated during the festival despite the reversal of his earlier acquittal.

The Goa government opposed Sibal's plea for Tejpal's temporary release during the festivities.

The Supreme Court will continue to hear the case on November 5.

Tejpal is appealing against the Bombay High Court's ruling that overturned his previous acquittal by a sessions court, leading to his conviction for rape and other charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), resulting in a 10-year prison sentence.

The allegations stem from an incident in November 2013, where a junior colleague accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her in a hotel elevator in Goa during an event.

A sessions court had acquitted Tejpal in May 2021, citing insufficient evidence from the prosecution and issues with the investigation. However, the Goa government contested this acquittal, leading to the Bombay High Court's decision on August 6 to convict Tejpal under various sections of the IPC, including Sections 376(2)(f) and 376(2)(k) for rape, as well as 354A and 354B for sexual harassment and assault.

Additionally, the Goa government has approached the Supreme Court to seek a harsher sentence than the 10-year rigorous imprisonment imposed by the High Court. Following the Supreme Court's directive, Tejpal surrendered to the Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa, Goa, on September 14, and was subsequently taken to Central Jail in Colvale, North Goa, to serve his sentence.