Govt against Tejpal’s in-camera hearing

acquittal in a 2013 rape case has left an “inevitable impression on all victims of sexual violence” and has “a deterrent effect among those who are potential victims”, additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta told the Bombay high court on Tuesday. Appearing for the state, Mehta opposed the 57-year-old’s plea for an “in-camera” hearing of the Goa government’s petition against his acquittal, saying “the country has a right to know this institution (the judiciary) has dealt with the girl who came to the court with the complaint, specific allegations, precise facts, and pleading proved with corroborating evidence”. On May 21, a court in Goa acquitted Tejpal of charges of rape and sexual assault levelled by a former colleague at a five-star hotel in 2013. Tejpal’s counsel argued that the dignity of the institution should not be assailed until the case is finally decided. of affirmative action that has an important role to play in social justice and equality, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Tuesday that reservation and reconciliation (among communities) have to go hand-in-hand. Speaking at a book launch, the RSS leader said that the political, cultural, social and spiritual history of India will be incomplete and untrue without Dalit contribution. Hosabale defended the Sangh from charges levelled by opponents and said that the RSS is a “staunch supporter” of caste-based reservation. The RSS has said “time and again” that “reservation is a historical necessity” and will be needed in India for many more decades, he added.