Just in: In a major relief to Tarun Tejpal, former editor of Tehelka, the Supreme Court has directed the Goa court to adjourn the case against him for three weeks.
Tejpal has approached the Supreme Court challenging a
Goa session court order to proceed for arguments on charge against him
in the alleged sexual assault case without providing him the necessary
documents.
The bench is headed by Chief Justice H.L. Dattu.
The
appeal, filed by advocate Sandeep Kapur, contended that the session
court while passing the December 23, 2014, order was conscious of the
recklessness shown by the prosecution to uphold statutory requirements
that are obligatory to provide all necessary documents.
It
also claimed that the prosecution had deviated from procedure and
failed to appreciate that speedy trial was barely a facet of fair trial.
Tejpal has been chargesheeted for allegedly raping, sexually harassing and outraging the modesty of a junior colleague during an event at a Goa hotel in November last year.
He was arrested on November 30, 2013 and is presently out on interim bail. Before being released on interim bail, he was lodged at Sada sub-jail in Goas Vasco town.