Tarun Tejpal Appeals Supreme Court Ruling in 2013 Sexual Assault Case

Tarun Tejpal, a journalist, has taken his fight to the Supreme Court, appealing against his conviction in a 2013 sexual assault case. Following the Bombay High Court's ruling that sentenced him to ten years in prison, the Goa government is also pushing for a more severe punishment. Tejpal's conviction stems from an incident involving a junior colleague in a hotel elevator during a Tehelka event. He claims to be a victim of political targeting. This ongoing legal battle raises significant questions about justice and accountability in high-profile cases.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 14:18 IST

Supreme Court Appeal Filed by Tarun Tejpal

On Thursday, journalist Tarun Tejpal filed an appeal with the Supreme Court challenging his conviction in a sexual assault case dating back to 2013.

The appeal was submitted through his lawyer, Aditya Samaddar, contesting the Bombay High Court's ruling from August 6.

In a related development, the Goa government has also approached the Supreme Court, advocating for a harsher sentence for Tejpal, arguing that the severity of the crime justifies a life sentence.

The Bombay High Court found Tejpal guilty of rape and sentenced him to ten years of rigorous imprisonment, reversing a previous acquittal by the trial court five years earlier.

In its petition, the Goa government asserted that the punishment handed down by the high court does not adequately reflect the serious nature of Tejpal's offenses.

Tejpal was convicted for raping a junior colleague in a hotel elevator during a Tehelka magazine event in Goa in 2013. The 62-year-old has maintained that he is a victim of political persecution.