The Supreme Court today directed former Tehelka Magazine Chief Editor Tarun Tejpal to surrender within three weeks and file a surrender certificate before 22nd September, for the Court to hear his appeal on merits. A bench of Justice Alok Aradhe dismissed Tejpal’s plea seeking exemption from surrender.
Tejpal has challenged the Bombay High Court’s order convicting and sentencing him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in the 2013 rape case. The bench rejected the contention raised by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Tejpal that he need not surrender for his appeal to be heard. The bench said, in case the surrender certificate is filed on or before 21st September, the registry shall list the criminal appeal for hearing on 22nd September, before the regular court. Sibal submitted that Tejpal has been on bail throughout the proceedings, except for six months, and is now a senior citizen.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State of Goa, argued that Tejpal’s appeal cannot be heard unless he has surrendered or has filed an application seeking exemption from surrender.
