The State of Goa on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) moved the Supreme Court challenging the quantum of sentence given to former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 rape case.
The State said the sentence was manifestly inadequate, but clarified that it did not want to challenge or reopen the findings or conclusions on merit recorded by the Bombay High Court in a judgment on August 6.
Additionally read: Tarun Tejpal case – a timeline
The High Court had set aside his acquittal by a Goa sessions court five years ago.
While Tejpal had pleaded for leniency in the High Court, claiming he was a “political victim” and the father of two daughters, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Goa, had demanded the maximum punishment to send a strong message.
The State remarked the 10-year prison sentence pronounced by the High Court was “grossly disproportionate to the nature and gravity of the offences” committed by Tejpal.
“The present case warrants enhancement of sentence to imprisonment for life, or such enhanced sentence as this court may deem appropriate, and the sentences ought not to have been directed to run concurrently,” the State’s petition said.
The High Court had termed the trial court’s 2021 order as “perverse”.
Tejpal was convicted of raping a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator in 2013 during an event organised by the magazine in Goa.
Published – August 19, 2026 02:00 am IST