Sexual-assault victim seeks cross-examination virtually; SC inclined

NEW DELHI: The alleged victim in the sexual assault case against journalist TarunTejpal has sought cross examination via video conferencing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tejpal strongly objected to her cross examination virtually on Monday before the Supreme Court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Goa government, contended before a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan and comprising Justices M R Shah and R Subhash Reddy that the alleged victim has lung infection and she is avoiding travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior advocateKapilSibal, representing Tejpal, strongly objected to it. Sibal argued that the woman does not want to face trial and insisted that she has no lung problem.

Justice Shah queried Sibal, "what is wrong with video conferencing? We are also hearing cases through video conferencing." Sibal contended this is a case where the accused wants to complete the trial expeditiously and reiterated that his client is against the extension of the trial. Mehta also supported the cross examination through video conferencing.

The bench issued notice to TarunTejpal on a plea filed by Goa police seeking extension of time for completing the trial in the 2013 sexual assault case against him. (IANS)

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