Trouble mounts for Tarun Tejpal as Court dismisses his plea to drop charges

In a high profile rape case involving Tarun Tejpal, the Bombay High Court's Goa bench today refused to stay framing of charges against the founder of Tehelka magazine.

Tejpal had approached the HC to get stay on framing of charges which is scheduled on September 28, in Mahapusa Court.

Tejpal had challenged the decision of district court, which was pronounced on September 7, that had refused to drop charges against him.

Tarun Tejpal is facing charges under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354(b) (criminal assault with intent to disrobe), and 376 (rape) of



the Indian Penal Code.

High Court Judge Prithviraj Chavan while hearing the petition filed by Tejpal seeking to drop the charges against him issued notice to the state government fixing the matter for November 1. The Judge also ruled that in the event when district court frames charges against Tejpal, the recording of evidence should be deferred. The court refused to stay the framing of charges against Tejpal.

Earlier, District and Sessions Judge Vijaya Pol dismissed Tejpal's application for dropping the charges against him.

The court has barred the media from covering the proceedings.