Surrender first, appeal later: SC rejects Tarun Tejpal’s plea in 2013 rape case

The Supreme Court has rejected former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal’s plea seeking exemption from surrender in the 2013 rape case. The court has directed him to surrender within two weeks and submit a surrender certificate by September 22, before his appeal against the 10-year prison sentence can be listed for hearing. The case dates back to 2013, when a junior colleague accused Tejpal of sexual assault inside a hotel elevator in Goa. In August 2026, the Bombay High Court overturned his 2021 acquittal, convicted him and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.