Bombay High Court convicts Tarun Tejpal

On August 6, 2026, the India — Goa Bench of the India — Bombay High Court convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of raping a junior colleague in 2013, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a India — Goa sessions court. The court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,21,000, which will be paid to the victim. Tejpal was convicted under sections 376(2)(f), 354A, and 354B of the Indian Penal Code. The court granted him four weeks to surrender. Tejpal, who has consistently denied the allegations, said he is a political victim and will appeal to the India — Supreme Court of India. The case stems from an incident during the ThinkFest event in India — Goa in November 2013. The India — Goa government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had appealed the acquittal, arguing that the trial court erred in assessing the survivor's behavior. Tejpal's daughter, Cara Tejpal, publicly supported her father, alleging he was targeted for his investigative journalism. The conviction has drawn reactions from India — Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and BJP MP Ujjwal Nikam, who welcomed the verdict as a victory for justice.