Goa moves SC seeking life term for Tarun Tejpal in sexual assault case

NEW DELHI: Even before former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal could challenge his conviction and the 10-year imprisonment awarded by the Goa bench of Bombay HC in a sexual assault case, Goa govt Tuesday filed an appeal in Supreme Court seeking enhancement of the sentence to life imprisonment, arguing that he got away lightly given the gravity of the offence.Goa govt's appeal said the woman was his employee and friend's daughter, and Tejpal misused his position of authority to commit the offences when she was performing her duties at an event organised by him in his capacity as employer.The state contested the HC's decision to direct the two 10-year sentences to run concurrently because the crime was committed 13 years ago and the woman and the convict had moved on with their lives.

"Passage of time cannot operate to the benefit of the offender or become a premium for the delay in the administration of justice, particularly at the cost of the victim," govt said."The sentence imposed does not adequately reflect the gravity of the offences or the aggravating circumstances found proved... The HC itself found that Tejpal occupied a position of 'dominance, control, trust and authority' over the victim," the state said, adding, "The manner in which the victim was treated during the trial is another aggravating circumstance which deserved due consideration at the stage of sentencing.