Appearing before the court ahead of sentencing, the 62-year-old journalist pleaded for mercy, saying he saw himself as a victim. "I'm 62, and I believe I'm a victim," Tejpal told the court while urging it to take a lenient view during sentencing. The case stems from allegations by the woman, then a junior colleague at Tehelka, who accused Tejpal of sexually assaulting her in a hotel lift during the magazine's annual event. The trial court had acquitted him, but the Goa government challenged the verdict before the High Court. Allowing the state's appeal, the High Court reversed the acquittal and convicted Tejpal of rape and outraging the modesty of the complainant.