Will Tarun Tejpal Return To Jail? Bombay HC Verdict Today On Former Tehelka Editor’s Acquittal Appeal

After five years of acquittal, Tarun Tejpal’s legal battle reaches a crucial moment. Bombay High Court will decide today whether the former Tehelka editor gets relief or faces fresh trouble.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 6 August 2026, 8:52 AM IST

The HC has directed Tarun Tejpal to remain present during pronouncement of verdict (Img: X)

New Delhi:  The Bombay High Court’s Goa bench is set to pronounce its verdict on Thursday in the Goa government’s appeal challenging the acquittal of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case.

Court Asked Tarun Tejpal to Remain Present

A division bench comprising Justice Dr Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar reserved its judgment after completing arguments from both sides.

Also Read: SC dismisses Tarun Tejpal’s plea for quashing sexual assault charges, orders completion of trial in 6 months

The High Court has directed Tarun Tejpal to remain present during the pronouncement of the verdict. The Goa government has challenged the trial court’s decision that cleared Tejpal of all charges in 2021.

What Is the Case About?

The case dates back to November 2013, when a former junior colleague accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her inside a hotel elevator during the ThinkFest event in Goa. Following the allegations, Tejpal stepped down from his position at Tehelka and faced legal proceedings.

Goa Government’s Arguments Against Acquittal

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Goa government, argued that the trial court wrongly assessed the survivor’s actions based on assumptions about how a sexual assault survivor should behave.

He said every survivor reacts differently depending on personal, social and emotional circumstances. The prosecution also argued that the trial court gave excessive importance to minor contradictions instead of focusing on the main allegations.

Also Read: Supreme Court adjourns hearing in Tarun Tejpal rape case

Defence Claims Evidence Was Misinterpreted

Senior advocate Abad Ponda, representing Tejpal, rejected the prosecution’s arguments and defended the acquittal.

The defence said emails sent by Tejpal after the alleged incident did not amount to an admission of sexual assault. It argued that the communication was related to a consensual conversation and was wrongly interpreted.

The defence also questioned the complainant’s statements, citing emails, messages and CCTV-related evidence. The High Court’s verdict today will decide the next legal course in one of India’s most prominent cases involving a senior media figure.