TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa has allowed Tarun Tejpal to remain present in the court when his bail application will be argued on Tuesday.
The former Tehelka Editor had petitioned the court seeking permission to remain present during the hearing on his bail plea. The bench presided over by Judge Mridula Bhatkar has however granted him partial permission. He will now have to make a fresh application seeking extension of the permission to remain present.
When the matter came up for argument on Monday, defence counsel Raunak Rao contended that Tejpal’s presence is required as he wants to assist his lawyer during the hearing. Whereas special public prosecutor Saresh Lotlikar opposed his bail, arguing that his travel from Sada sub-jail to the court and back is a cumbersome process for the State.
“It will set a precedent (for accused to remain present during hearings) because the lower court had permitted him…We did not oppose then because we expected it would get over in one hearing but it got extended…. His travel entails a lot of expenditure and security as well,” the PP told the Judge. “We are not in a position to grant him NOC as we did the last time.”
While delivering the order the judge observed, “…It is not the right of the accused to attend the court, however, there is no bar to allow him to remain present and give specific instructions and assist his counsel… it is not a case of the prosecution that the applicant (Tejpal) is a hard core criminal…” An order was thereafter passed allowing him to attend the hearing on Tuesday.
