TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The State filed a fresh application in the Fast-Track Court requesting it to conclude the trial in the sex scandal involving Tarun Tejpal, within two months, while another plea, by the accused, Tejpal, has sought permission to use a scribbling pad and pen in the sub-jail at Sada where he is currently lodged.
Judge Vijaya Pol adjourned the matters to March 25 when three different applications filed by Tejpal and the crime branch (CB), a month back, will also be argued.
On Friday, the prosecution led by Francis Tavora requested the court to conduct daily hearings to conclude the case within two months. “The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (as amended) and specifically the proviso to section 309 makes it incumbent for the trial to be completed within two months from the date of filing the charge sheet, as far as possible,” the CB prayed. “In view of the amended law, it is just and necessary to commence and conclude the trial within the time frame stipulated…suitable directions be issue to comply by the amended section of CrPC.”
The CB had chargesheeted the case against Tejpal on February 17, charging him for rape, sexual harassment and outraging modesty of the woman journalist during the magazine’s annual THiNK Fest at a Goa hotel elevator on two occasions in November 2013.
The Judge pointed out to the prosecution and the defence that one month had already lapsed since the filing of the chargesheet before the chief judicial magistrate. The matter was then fixed for Tuesday. With regards to Tejpal’s request application, Pol has sought a reply from the Sada jailor following which a decision would be pronounced.
Two other applications filed by Tejpal contending that CB chargesheet had disclosed the victim’s identity including her mobile phone number and emails; and another seeking the complete copy of the chargesheet along with CD of the CCTV footage of the hotel from November 7-10, 2013, while one filed by CB for filing a supplementary chargesheet will also be heard on Tuesday, March 25 at 2:30pm. The investigating officer had pleaded that Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, who is another crucial witness in the case is yet to respond to their queries besides collecting other evidence such as forensic report on the material collected from the Tehelka offices at various places.
The defence had earlier argued that investigating officer had not taken them into confidence during the case’s committal.
