September 20, 2021:- One of the most sensational cases in India, the case of Tarun Tejpal, is going to be heard virtually on 27th October. This landmark case showed its form on November 7, 2013 when the founder and former editor-in-chief of 'Tehelka' magazine Tarun Tejpal was accused of raping, confinement and sexual harassment of his junior colleague inside a lift of the Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa. He was arrested by Goa crime Branch on November 30, 2013. He got bail on July 1, 2014. The fast track court trial began after 4 years on September 7, 2017.
On 21st May, 2021 Additional Sessions court Judge Kshama M. Joshi acquitted the turbulent journalist and author Tarun Tejpal from offences under sections 376, 354, 354 A, 354 B, 341 and 342 of the Indian Penal Code by saying in her 527- page judgement, "as there is no corroborative evidence supporting the allegations made by prosecutrix".
The Goa government appealed to the Bombay High court challenging the acquittal of Tarun Tejpal.
The chief Justice was requested to conduct a hybrid hearing due to the pandemic situation on the last occasion. Goa Advocate General Devidas Pangam sought a date to start the hearing before a Division bench of Justice M.S. Sonak and M.S. Jawalkar.
On 10th August, Tejpal appeared before the Bombay High court for seeking an "in-camera" hearing for Goa government's appeal against his acquittal.
The Bombay High court decided to hold virtual hearing on October 27 as the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who is appearing on behalf of the Goa Government and Tejpal's Senior Advocate Amit Desai both live outside of the Goa.
TIASHA SINHA RAY