Tehelka magazine’s former editor and rape convict Tarun Tejpal has suffered a major blow to his bid to challenge his conviction in the sexual assault case dating back to 2013, as the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday directed him to surrender within 2 weeks. The top court clarified that his appeal shall be heard only after he surrenders. 

Moreover, it has also ordered Tejpal (62) to submit his surrender certificate by September 22, 2026. 

SC puts condition on appeal

The case stems from allegations of rape levelled against Tejpal, dating back to 2013. One of his junior colleagues alleged that the magazine’s former editor violated her inside the lift of a hotel in Goa in 2013, during an event organised by the outlet. Tejpal has consistently denied the allegations and has maintained that he fell prey to political targeting. 

The journalist, after his conviction in the case from the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court (HC), had approached the SC to challenge the verdict. Notably, the Bombay HC had convicted him of rape and sentenced him to 10 years’ jail term. 

Five years prior to his conviction, a trial court had acquitted him of all the charges. 

Multiple IPC sections invoked against Tejpal

Several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have been invoked against Tejpal, including Section 376(2)(f), relating to rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority. He was also convicted under Sections 354(a) and 354(b), concerning sexual harassment and assault or criminal force with an intent to disrobe. 

Notably, Section 376(2)(f) provides for punishment extending up to life imprisonment. The development has surfaced days after the Goa government approached the SC seeking an enhancement of Tejpal’s sentence. The state contended that the circumstances surrounding the case warranted life term. 

Tejpal seeks leniency, calls self ‘Political victim’

After the Bombay HC found Tejpal guilty of the offence, he sought leniency, citing his age and family circumstances. Appearing before the court, he called himself a ‘political victim’ and pointed out that he was 62, a husband and the father of two daughters. 

Tejpal said he and his legal team had presented their case and the facts before the courts consistently for the past 13 years, but their arguments had not found favour. He said, “There is nothing further I can add today,” adding that he had consistently placed his case before the courts but had not succeeded. 

With the SC’s latest order against Tejpal, the legal proceedings shall advance only after he complies with the surrender order.