Bombay HC to hear Tarun Tejpal’s plea in sexual assault case today

The petition seeks a stay on a September 7 order by the Mapusa sessions court, stipulating the framing of charges against the former Tehelka editor in the case. It was moved by Tejpal on September 26.

The Goa bench of the Bombay high court will hear a plea moved by former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a sexual assault case on Wednesday.

Former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a former junior colleague during an event at Goa in November 2013.(Vipin Kumar/ HT Photo)

The petition seeks a stay on a September 7 order by the Mapusa sessions court, stipulating the framing of charges against Tejpal in the case. It was moved by the former editor on September 26.

The high court rejected their request, but asked Tejpal and his lawyer to present their arguments on November 1 – following which it would decide on allowing the sessions court to examine witnesses in the case.

Meanwhile, the Mapusa court framed all the charges levelled against Tejpal in the charge sheet filed on November 30, 2013. These include sections 376 (punishment for rape), 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (criminal assault with intent to disrobe a woman), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 342 (wrongful confinement) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Mapusa court hearing is scheduled for November 20. Tejpal is accused of sexually assaulting a former junior colleague during a Tehelka fest at Goa in November 2013.