Tejpal's bail petition is not just delusional but also illegal, say experts

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikkar today accused Tehelka’s editor Tarun Tejpal of attempting to divert the issue of sexual harassment and making it a political one. This comes after Tejpal’s bail plea that the case be shifted out of Goa because the BJP government in the state might indulge in a witch hunt.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Parikkar said, “Such high profile cases are shocker to public faith. Whether he has done it or not, the law will take its course. This is my instruction not only for Tejpal’s case, but for any case of crime against women.”

Rahul Singh, journalist and novelist and also a friend of Tejpal however said whether we like it or not the issue has already been politicised. “The BJP has been hurt by Tehelka investigations with respect to Bangaru Laxman. He wants the case to be tried outside Goa…as there could be pressure applied by BJP government in Goa,” Singh said.

However, journalist Swapan Dasgupta vehemently disagreed with even the suggestion that BJP was remotely involved in a witch hunt after having got a chance to settle scores with Tejpal after the sexual assault case. “Is it the suggestion that the unfortunate woman was a BJP plant? Was it a pre-meditated plan of BJP to conduct such incidents? It is evident that the person has now realised the enormity of the crime he has committed…that enormity has sunk in, " Dasgupta said.

Vrinda Grover, lawyer and human rights activist, said that not only was Tejpal guilty of diverting the issue but also his bail petition was illegal. Grover said, “The law says that character of the woman cannot be dragged in…sections 53, 146 - says all this is precluded/excluded from the preview of the trial so that the woman can come forward and face the trial. Women do not immediately report the case of sexual assault because there is lot of pressure and power, " adding that this pressure is precisely what Tejpal is applying on the journalist.

Kavita Krishnan, women’s activist and member of AIPWA, also agreed with Vrinda Grover. Krishnan said, “Both the political insinuation and questions on her demeanour are character assassinations. Asaram did the same thing - of asking whether trial could be shifted out of Rajasthan. Its irrelevant where it happened.”