Describing a grave criminal act of molestation of a young female colleague as a mere lapse of judgement, treating it as an internal matter, tendering an apology and stepping down from his position, has done no good to the image of the accused, Tehelka chief Tarun Tejpal.
Coming as it does from the editor of a magazine that has claimed to fight for justice and conducted sting operations on various individuals and matters, the conduct is shocking.
The alleged acts of indiscretion by Mr Tejpal are not naïve acts but attempted rape as per the amended Section 375 of the IPC. An apology and a recusal from his duties are not sufficient punishment. When Tehelka justifies conducting sting operations as an extension of freedom of speech, how can the new editor Shoma Chaudhury question the right of journalists to ask her questions, and dub them as not being the “aggrieved party”. It's good that the media has raised its voice against one of its own.