Panaji, June 5 (TNN): A fast track court on Wednesday granted conditional permission to Tehelka founder editor Tarun Tejpal, who is facing charges of raping a young journalist, to leave the state to conduct religious rites following the death of his mother.
But, he is restrained by the court from interacting with the media regarding the case.
"Permission is granted to the accused to leave Goa and to stay in the national capital region till June 26 as the accused has furnished an affidavit giving full and complete residential address with itinerary," judge Vijaya Pol stated.
The judge ordered that the accused shall make no attempt to address the media and other persons with regards to the subject matter of the case.
The judge said that the accused shall not make attempts, direct or indirect, to "temper or influence or even remotely threaten persons" cited as witnesses in the case.
The court also imposed conditions that the accused shall report to the police station with whose jurisdiction the accused proposes to reside at the time of arrival and departure and shall also inform the police inspector or officer in-charge, even if he proposes to move out of its jurisdiction.
The passport of the accused shall continue to be in the custody of the court, the judge stated.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended interim bail granted to Tejpal till June 27.
On May 19, the apex court had granted him interim bail for three weeks following the death of his mother. Tejpal's counsel Rajeev Gomes moved an application before the fast track court seeking permission to allow Tejpal to leave Goa after the extension of his bail period by the Supreme Court.
The arguments on an application filed by the prosecution under Sections 173(8) CrPC before the fast track court to carryout further investigation into the case was concluded on Wednesday. The order is likely to be pronounced on June 17.