How Bombay High Court picked apart trial court’s acquittal of Tarun Tejpal

['Apurva Vishwanath', 'Apurva Vishwanath Is The National Legal Editor At The Indian Express', 'Where She Leads The Organization S Coverage Of The Indian Judiciary', 'Constitutional Law', 'Public Policy. A Law Graduate With A B.A.', 'Ll.B', 'Hons', 'Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University', 'Apurva Brings Over A Decade Of Specialized Experience To Her Reporting. She Is An Authority On Judicial Appointments', 'The Supreme Court Collegium'] The Indian Express 2026-08-07 13:05:15

In May 2021, Additional Sessions Judge Kshama Joshi at Mapusa acquitted him on every count, prompting an appeal by the Goa government in the High Court. Why the trial court acquitted himThe trial court’s acquittal hinged less on the core facts than on the trial court’s reading of the survivor’s conduct and character. The trial court also treated Tejpal’s apology emails as “coerced” and, therefore, inadmissible rather than as admissions. Here are some of the key aspects on which the HC reversed the trial court’s stand. “Expecting a survivor to be constantly miserable, meek or visibly broken, the Trial Court has ignored the reality of human coping mechanisms.