Team Herald
PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has granted interim suspension to bailable warrant issued by the Mapusa fast track court against the victim in a rape case against senior journalist Tarun Tejpal.
The Additional Sessions Court had last week issued the warrant against the victim while authorising the investigating officer to execute the warrant.
The victim’s two applications requesting the court to exempt her physical presence during the cross-examination was rejected. She had cited that with her weak health condition, it was advisable for her to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The victim had also sought permission to remain present at Goa Sadan in Delhi from where the cross examination could be conducted through a video-conferencing.
The plea was however rejected after which she moved the High Court challenging the warrant. While the High Court put an interim stay on the warrant, it observed that trial in the case may go unhindered.
Tejpal, facing charges under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 376 (2)(f) (person in position of authority over women, committing rape) and 376(2)(k) (rape by person in position of control) of Indian Penal Code, is attending the trial in the court.
