Goa seeks life term for Tarun Tejpal

The India — Goa government has moved the India — Supreme Court of India seeking enhancement of the 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence awarded to former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 rape case. The plea argues that the sentence is 'grossly disproportionate to the nature and gravity of the offences' and seeks life imprisonment. This follows the India — Bombay High Court's August 6 conviction of Tejpal, which overturned his 2021 acquittal by a trial court. The High Court had convicted Tejpal under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority, and criticized the trial court for its 'perfect victim' approach. Tejpal, who maintains his innocence and claims to be a 'political victim', has indicated he will challenge the conviction in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will now consider both the state's plea for a harsher sentence and Tejpal's expected appeal.