Charges to be framed against Tarun Tejpal on September 28 in sexual assault case

A trial court in Mapusa in North Goa will formally frame charges in connection with the rape and sexual harassment case against former editor-in-chief of Tehelka, Tarun Tejpal, on September 28.

Public Prosecutor (PP) Francis Tavora told presspersons outside the Additional District and Sessions Court on Thursday that all charges proposed by the police, including sections 341 (wrongful restraint) 342 (wrongful confinement) 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) had been endorsed by the court and an additional section 354B (criminal assault with intent to disrobe a woman) of the IPC had been added.

“Court has directed that all charges should



be framed against him. 354 B of IPC has been added,” Mr. Tavora said.

On the other hand, Mr. Tejpal's counsel Pramod Dubey said section 376 of IPC had been dropped from the list of charges. Mr. Dubey said that the future course of action would be decided "once the order is examined."

"Charges will be framed on September 28, then the trial will start," Mr. Dubey further said.

Mr. Tejpal is facing the charges of sexually assaulting a junior woman colleague in the elevator of a five-star hotel in North Goa during an event in November 2013. Mr. Tejpal, who was subsequently arrested, is currently out on bail.