SC asks to conduct examination of witnesses in Tarun Tejpal rape case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Bombay High Court to conduct a trial and examination of the witnesses in the rape case against former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal.

The apex court has also asked the state high court to decide on Tarun Tejpal's plea seeking discharge.

Earlier on September 28, a Goa court charged Tejpal with rape, sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman.

Public Prosecutor, Fransisco Tavora informed that charges against Tejpal have been farmed under section 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-B (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe), 341 and 342 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Tavora also informed "Tejpal has pleaded not guilty."

Earlier, 54-year-old Tejpal couldn't get any relief from the Bombay High Court at Goa.

The High Court refused to stay the process of framing of charges against Tejpal at a lower court in Mapusa in North Goa.

This is the first case in recent times in which the probe has relied on "position of trust" as a crucial aspect in an allegation of rape.

Tejpal is indicted of sexually assaulting a junior woman colleague inside a lift at Hotel Grand Hyatt during an event organised by the Tehelka magazine in Goa in November.

-ANI