We, members of South Asian Women in the Media (SAWM), have noted the verdict of a Goa court acquitting journalist Tarun Tejpal, former editor of Tehelka magazine, of rape charges after a 7 year long battle.
We stand in solidarity with the complainant who has remained firm and fought the case with courage.
The fact that the allegations could not be proven in in court despite an admission of improper conduct by Tejpal himself, only proves how difficult it is for women to get justice in rape and sexual harassment cases in India.
The case against Tejpal was filed when the #MeToo movement was not on the radar and awareness about workplace harassment was low.
SAWM calls for significant reform in Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, to ensure a safer atmosphere at the workplace.
SAWM strongly supports the Goa government’s move to file an appeal against the Goa lower court’s verdict pronouncing Mr Tejpal not guilty and stand with the complainant in her future battles in this matter.
We strongly condemn any kind of sexual harassment and rape, especially at the workplace, and respect all battles by survivors to get justice.
South Asian Women in Media (SAWM), India chapter
Dated: 23 May 2021