The Goa government has approached the Supreme Court seeking an enhanced sentence for former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 sexual assault case involving a former junior woman journalist. Challenging the Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench verdict of August 6, 2026, the state has sought life imprisonment instead of the 10-year jail term awarded to Tejpal.
The case dates back to 2013, when the woman journalist accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside a hotel elevator during the Think Fest event in Goa. The trial began before the Mapusa trial court in 2017, and in 2021, the court acquitted Tejpal.
The Goa government challenged the acquittal before the Bombay High Court. On August 6, 2026, the High Court found Tejpal guilty and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Now, arguing that the punishment is inadequate, the Goa government has moved the Supreme Court, seeking a life sentence for Tejpal. The Supreme Court’s proceedings in the matter will now be closely watched.
