The Supreme Court on Friday refused to suspend the 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed on former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 rape case. A Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale declined to grant interim relief while considering Tejpal’s challenge to his conviction and sentence by the Bombay High Court.

The Bench observed that a prima facie assessment of the prosecution witnesses, the material on record and the messages exchanged between Tejpal and the complainant did not justify suspension of the sentence. The Court clarified that it was examining only the question of suspension of sentence and was not deciding the merits of the appeal.

Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice in Tarun Tejpal’s Plea Challenging 10-Year Rape Sentence

Appearing for Tarun Tejpal, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal challenged the complainant’s version, relying on CCTV footage, alleged inconsistencies in her statements and the delay in filing the FIR. He also pointed out that Tejpal had remained on bail during the trial without misusing his liberty.

Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta relied on the apology email and the testimony of the complainant’s colleagues about her condition after the incident. He argued that the trial had focused on the complainant’s conduct rather than the allegations and submitted that she had no apparent motive to falsely implicate Tarun Tejpal.

Also Read: Tehelka Editor-in-Chief Tarun Tejpal Sentenced to 10 Years’ Rigorous Imprisonment in 2013 Rape Case

The Supreme Court declined to suspend the sentence. It also granted leave in Tarun Tejpal’s appeal challenging the conviction and in the State of Goa’s appeal seeking enhancement of the sentence to life imprisonment.

The case arises from allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator during an event organised by Tehelka in Goa in November 2013. The Goa Sessions Court had acquitted him in 2021. On August 6, 2026, the Bombay High Court set aside the acquittal, convicted him of rape and other offences, and sentenced him to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment.