The Supreme Court on Friday issued a formal notice to the Goa government while taking up a plea filed by former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, who is challenging his conviction and a ten-year rigorous jail sentence. During the court proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of the journalist to press the petition against the order previously handed down by the Bombay High Court.
Defense Confirms Compliance With Surrender Directive
Addressing the bench during the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal informed the judges that his client had fully complied with the prior judicial directive and surrendered before the designated authorities. Taking note of this compliance, the Supreme Court decided to issue notice seeking an official response from the Goa government, indicating that the schedule for the subsequent hearing would be announced shortly. The bench had earlier maintained that the merits of his legal challenge would be entertained only after formal proof of incarceration was placed on record.
High Court Reversed Earlier Trial Court Acquittal
The protracted legal battle stems from an incident dating back to 2013, involving allegations of rape and sexual assault against a junior female colleague inside an elevator at a five-star hotel. Although the local trial court had initially exonerated Tejpal of all charges, that judgment was subsequently overturned on 6 August 2026 by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court. Reversing the lower court's clearance, the High Court bench found him guilty and imposed a ten-year term of rigorous imprisonment.
Surrender Process and Incarceration in Colvale Central Jail
Following the High Court verdict, the 62-year-old journalist had approached the top court seeking immediate interim relief against his impending arrest. On 25 August, the apex court refused immediate relief and directed him to surrender within a two-week window, stipulating that a surrender certificate had to be submitted on or before 22 September before his appeal could be processed. Adhering to that deadline, Tejpal formally surrendered on 14 September before the Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa, after which authorities shifted him to Colvale Central Jail in North Goa.
