Supreme Court refuses to suspend Tarun Tejpal’s 10-year sentence in 2013 rape case

New Delhi The Supreme Court on Friday (November 6, 2026) declined to suspend the 10-year prison sentence imposed on journalist Tarun Tejpal by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court in a 2013 rape case. The court, however, agreed to hear his appeal challenging the High Court’s August verdict overturning his acquittal by a trial court in Goa. A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B.

Varale held that a prima facie examination of the evidence, including witness testimonies and messages placed on record, did not warrant suspension of the sentence. “On a prima facie view, particularly with regard to the prosecution witnesses and the material produced and the messages on record, we do not find it a fit ground to grant suspension of sentence,” the Bench observed. Mr. Tejpal had also sought interim bail to spend Deepavali with his family, but the Bench declined his petition.

The Bench, however, granted leave to appeal in both Mr. Tejpal’s petition challenging his conviction and the Goa government’s appeal seeking enhancement of his sentence.