MAPUSA
The trial court in Mapusa has finally wrapped up the hearing in the alleged rape case against former Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal and has fixed the case for judgement on April 27.
The defence counsel and the prosecution were on Monday present in the Additional Sessions Court, Mapusa giving explanation on certain clarifications sought by the trial court.
“Today, both the defence and the prosecution clarified on certain issues raised by the judge and the case is now posted for judgement which is expected to be delivered on April 27,” said Adv. Francisco Tavora, Special Public Prosecutor.
Last year the Supreme Court had granted additional time to the trial court for completion of the trial in the case until March 31, 2021.
“It’s obvious that the court has asked for a month’s extension to deliver the judgement,” Tavora said.
According to the Special Public Prosecutor if it’s an acquittal then matter ends there, but if it’s a case of conviction then the court will want to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence.
He also said that just as in the case of the trial which was conducted in-camera, the judgement may also not be delivered in the open court.
It may be recalled, a female colleague had accused Tehelka founder editor, Tarun Tejpal of raping her in the elevator of a starred hotel in Goa where the magazine was hosting a conclave in November 2013.
Goa Police had taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and lodged an FIR against Tejpal on November 22, 2013.
He was subsequently chargesheeted under sections under sections 376 (rape), 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement) 354A (sexual harassment) and 354B (criminal assault), of the Indian Penal Code.
Tejpal was arrested and sent to custody where he remained nearly for a year before being released on bail.
