The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices on two separate petitions concerning former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal's conviction in a rape case, setting the stage for proceedings over both the validity of his conviction and the quantum of punishment imposed on him.

A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale sought responses from the Goa government and Tejpal on their respective petitions.

Tejpal has challenged the Bombay High Court's decision to overturn his acquittal and sentence him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. He has also requested suspension of his sentence while his appeal remains pending.

The Goa government, meanwhile, has approached the Supreme Court seeking enhancement of the punishment to life imprisonment. The state contends that the gravity of the offence warrants a higher sentence than the minimum punishment awarded by the High Court.

From Acquittal To Conviction

The criminal proceedings originated from allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a junior female colleague inside an elevator at a Goa hotel during an event in November 2013.

A trial court acquitted him in 2021. However, on August 6, 2026, the Bombay High Court at Goa reversed that decision, convicted him of aggravated rape and associated offences, and imposed a sentence of 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.

Tejpal has questioned the High Court's assessment of the evidence and its decision to interfere with the trial court's acquittal.

Following the High Court's judgment, Tejpal approached the Supreme Court. However, the apex court declined to entertain his appeal until he surrendered before the appropriate court.

He subsequently surrendered before a court in Mapusa on September 14 and was transferred to the Central Jail at Colvale in Goa.

Kapil Sibal Seeks Early Hearing

During Friday's proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Tejpal, requested an expedited hearing, particularly on the application seeking suspension of his sentence.

Sibal informed the bench that Tejpal had already complied with the requirement to surrender and urged the Court to consider his request for interim relief without delay.

The bench, however, confined Friday's proceedings to issuing notices on both petitions. It indicated that the next hearing date would be specified in its written order.

The Supreme Court's website tentatively listed the matter for October 15, although the formal order had not been uploaded at the time of reporting.

The proceedings will address two distinct questions: Tejpal's challenge to his conviction and request for suspension of sentence, and the Goa government's demand for a more severe punishment.