Tarun Tejpal's defence says rape 'narrative' was tied to Rs 1 lakh fellowship grant
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on Saturday concluded the three-day final hearing in the Goa government's appeal against the 2021 acquittal of
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court on Saturday concluded the three-day final hearing in the Goa government's appeal against the 2021 acquittal of Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 alleged rape case, with his defence arguing that the alleged sexual assault narrative was fabricated to secure a Rs 1 lakh fellowship grant to write a book on violence against women. Read Full Story Senior advocate Aabad Ponda, who concluded the defence's arguments after addressing the court since July 16, also argued that the case was politically motivated and sought to challenge the complainant's credibility by citing her conduct, digital records and WhatsApp conversations with friends. Ponda insisted that it was a politically made-up case against Tejpal also read some WhatsApp conversations between the complainant and her friends and stressed that the complainant had written that she intended to "unleash a reign of sexual terror on unsuspecting thinkers" and although the complainant later described the message as a joke, it formed part of the contemporaneous record that should be considered while assessing her credibility. The matter was heard by a division bench of Justices Dr Neela Gokhale and Amit S Jamshandekar. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Goa government, will present the prosecution's rejoinder on July 30, after which the appeal is likely to be reserved for judgment.
On the final day of the hearing on Saturday, Ponda argued that the complainant's conduct after the alleged incidents was inconsistent with the prosecution's case that she was traumatised. Referring to her explanation that she did not leave the event immediately because she feared losing her job, he submitted that digital records suggested otherwise. According to the defence, the complainant had already been exploring other employment opportunities, corresponding with another publication, received a higher-paying offer linked to the TV show Satyamev Jayate, and applied for a year-long fellowship to write a book on violence against women. As Ponda advanced his submissions, Justice Gokhale asked, "Are you saying that this whole episode was made up for the grant?" He replied that a narrative was being built up and argued, "Can someone who is writing about violence against women, but she does not go to the police? Are you going to believe such a person? All this creates very serious doubt. She has managed to do what she came to do." Justice Gokhale responded, "But ultimately she did stand by her statement." Ponda also argued that instead of immediately initiating criminal proceedings, the complainant was engaged in discussions over a settlement with Tehelka. Referring to messages placed before the court, he submitted that she discussed seeking a severance package from the publication while also exploring other legal options.
The BriefWire