'Tarun Tejpal Didn't Understand No Means No': Key Takeaways From Verdict In 2013 Sexual Assault Case

Published 6 August 2026 · india

News india 'Tarun Tejpal Didn't Understand No Means No': Key Takeaways From Verdict In 2013 Sexual Assault Case 'Tarun Tejpal Didn't Understand No Means No'

News india 'Tarun Tejpal Didn't Understand No Means No': Key Takeaways From Verdict In 2013 Sexual Assault Case 'Tarun Tejpal Didn't Understand No Means No': Key Takeaways From Verdict In 2013 Sexual Assault Case Published By, Last Updated: August 06, 2026, 15:16 IST The Bombay HC sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2013 sexual harassment case. Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal. The Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench on Thursday sentenced journalist and Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2013 rape case filed by a junior colleague. A division bench of Justice Dr Neela Gokhale and Justice Amit Jamsandekar also sentenced him to one year of imprisonment under Section 354A of the IPC and two years under Section 354B. All the sentences will run concurrently. Earlier in the day, the High Court set aside the May 2021 judgment of a Sessions Court in Mapusa that had acquitted Tejpal, allowing the Goa government’s appeal.

Court says ‘No means No’ While delivering the verdict, the court observed that Tejpal had shown no remorse. “Tejpal had no remorse. He didn’t understand a no means no," the bench said. The court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each under Sections 376(2)(f) and 376(2)(k), along with a fine of Rs 5 lakh under each provision. For offences under Sections 354A and 354B, he was awarded one year and two years of imprisonment respectively. Justice Gokhale granted Tejpal two weeks to surrender before the Goa Police. During the hearing on sentencing, Tejpal requested leniency. “I am 62 years old and I believe I am a victim. I have a wife, please be lenient with me," he told the court, adding that he wanted to pursue an appeal. The court also observed that the incident had taken place 13 years ago and that both parties must have moved on in life. Case dates back to 2013 The case relates to allegations made by a junior colleague in November 2013.

On November 18, 2013, the complainant approached Tehelka’s then Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhry. The following day, Tejpal sent a detailed email apologising to the complainant. In the email, he wrote, “I apologise unconditionally for the shameful lapse of judgement that led me to attempt a sexual liaison with you on two occasions on November 7 and November 8, 2013, despite your clear reluctance that you did not want such attention from me." In May 2021, Special Judge Kshama Joshi of the Mapusa Court acquitted Tejpal of all charges, holding that there was no material on record to corroborate the allegations made by the complainant. Tejpal to move Supreme Court After the conviction, Tejpal said he would challenge the High Court verdict in the Supreme Court. He alleged that the case was driven by political vendetta and said he had faith that the judiciary would ultimately deliver justice. Referring to the case, he said those who had written against the establishment were being targeted and claimed Tehelka’s reporting may have caused political damage.