Final Hearing Begins in Tarun Tejpal Sexual Assault Case at Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court has initiated the final hearing regarding the Goa government's appeal against Tarun Tejpal's acquittal in a 2013 sexual assault case. The defense argues that the victim's statements are inconsistent and challenges the prosecution's claims using technical evidence and expert testimonies. Key points include discrepancies in the complainant's account and the functionality of the hotel lift involved in the incident. This hearing is crucial in determining the outcome of the case, with significant implications for all parties involved.
| Jul 16, 2026, 18:39 IST
Bombay High Court Reviews Goa Government's Appeal
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court commenced its final hearing on Thursday regarding the Goa government's appeal against the acquittal of Tarun Tejpal, the founder of 'Tehelka', in a sexual assault case from 2013. During the proceedings, the defense argued that the victim's statements were inconsistent. Senior Advocate Abad Ponda, representing Tejpal, contended that there were significant discrepancies in the complainant's statements. He challenged the prosecution's claims about the incident based on technical evidence, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies. This hearing is being conducted over three days before a division bench comprising Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale and Amit S. Jamdar. On Thursday, video clips from the hotel lift where the alleged incident occurred were presented to the bench, shown exclusively to those present in the courtroom.
Defense Highlights Inconsistencies in Complainant's Testimony
Ponda argued that the footage and technical evidence did not corroborate the complainant's account, pointing out inconsistencies between her statements made to the investigating officer and those given during the trial. The senior advocate specifically focused on three key claims made by the complainant in her initial report. According to Ponda, the complainant alleged that the accused had pressed buttons to keep the lift in a continuous loop or 'circuit', preventing it from stopping at any floor and keeping the doors closed, which trapped her inside. He emphasized that there was a significant delay in questioning the complainant about these specific allegations.
Expert Testimonies Contradict Complainant's Version
Ponda stated that testimonies from lift experts, hotel security personnel, and police witnesses disproved this version of events. Citing evidence recorded during the trial, he informed the court that the lift could not have been controlled in the alleged manner. Referring to the expert's testimony, Ponda explained that when the emergency stop button is pressed, the lift halts at the nearest landing or floor, and the doors automatically open.