Tarun Tejpal Gets 3 Week Break in Trial to Collect Documents for his Defence

Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal, who is accused of raping a junior colleague, has three weeks to collect documents and evidence to argue his case. The Supreme Court today directed a trial court to adjourn the case for that period and  asked the Goa police to hand over documents to Mr Tejpal.

Mr Tejpal had petitioned the top court on Thursday, saying that the Goa court was proceeding with the sexual assault case though he had not got the evidence and papers he needed to prepare his defence. These include unedited camera footage and phone records on which the police have based the charge-sheet.

The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the lower court to hold daily hearings and decide the case within eight months. This order, Mr Tejpal says, was used by the trial court to justify starting arguments in the case.

Mr. Tejpal has been charge-sheeted for allegedly raping a woman colleague during an event at a Goa hotel in November, 2013. He was granted bail in July.