SC Orders Tarun Tejpal to Surrender by Sept 22 in 2013 Rape Case
SC Orders Tarun Tejpal to Surrender by Sept 22 in 2013 Rape Case
The Supreme Court has directed former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to surrender in two weeks in connection with a 2013 rape case. Get the full details on this high-profile legal development.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has ordered journalist Tarun Tejpal to surrender within two weeks, setting a deadline of September 22, 2026. This directive comes in a 2013 rape case where Tejpal has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. The apex court's single-judge bench, led by Justice Alok Aradhe, stated that Tejpal’s appeal against his conviction will only be heard once the certificate of his surrender is filed.
The State of Goa, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had strongly advocated for Tejpal’s surrender before his appeal could be listed. Mehta cited the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, arguing that these rules are mandatory and require the appellant to surrender. He did, however, acknowledge the Supreme Court's inherent power to waive this requirement, though he opposed its application in this instance.
Conversely, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Tejpal, contended that his client’s appeal should be heard first. Justice Aradhe had previously adjourned the case, emphasizing that without a suitable order on the application seeking exemption from surrender, the appeal could not be listed.
Tejpal had moved the Supreme Court on August 20, challenging the August 6 order of the Bombay High Court which upheld his conviction in the sexual assault case. The Goa government had also previously appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking an enhanced sentence for the former Tehelka editor, arguing that the case warranted a life imprisonment.
