Sexual Assault Case: SC Dismisses Tehelka’s Ex Editor Tarun Tejpal’s Plea for In Camera Hearing

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed former editor of Tehelka magazine Tarun Tejpal’s plea for in-camera hearing  sexual assault case.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha asked “Can somebody who is an accused assert that the trial is in-camera when the victim does not demand so?”

The Supreme court was hearing Tarun Tejpal’s plea challenging the order of the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court rejecting an application for an in-camera hearing in the 2013 sexual assault case.

The hearing of the matter in the Bombay High Court will continue as usual after the Supreme Court refuses to intervene. Tarun Tejpal had demanded an in-camera hearing of the appeal of the case in the Bombay High Court. The Bombay High Court had dismissed Tarun Tejpal’s petition on 24 November 2021. Tejpal had approached the Supreme Court against the decision of the High Court.

The trial court in Goa on May 21, 2021, had acquitted Tejpal of charges of wrongful confinement, assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment and rape against his female colleague.

The Government of Goa approached the Bombay High Court against the decision of the trial court. In the High Court, Tejpal demanded an in camera hearing, which was rejected by the High Court.