Panaji:Commenting on the acquittal of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal by a trial court in May this year, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta on Tuesday said that the acquittal was reflective of the manner in which the institution of the judiciary had failed. The acquittal, Mehta said, would deter potential victims of sexual assault from approaching courts for justice.
"The way in which our institution has failed, I am using every word not only with sincerity, but with a sense of responsibility. Our institution has failed, leaving an inevitable impression upon all victims of sexual violence or sexual onslaught that it has a deterrent effect among those who are potential victims," Mehta said during a virtual hearing at the Bombay High Court.
"They would not come before your lordship or not come before the Court of law. Country has a right to know (how) this institution has dealt with the girl who came to the court with the complaint, specific allegations, precise facts (and) corroborating evidence," Mehta also said.
Mehta made the comments during a hearing in connection with an appeal filed by the Goa government against the acquittal of Tejpal by a Goa trial court, which was hearing the rape case filed by the former journalist's junior colleague in 2013. The High Court which is hearing the appeal, has scheduled the next hearing for August 31.