Tarun Tejpal tells Delhi High Court he will publish unconditional apology in 2001 defamation case of Army officer

Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal and journalist Aniruddha Bahal told the Delhi High Court on Friday that they will publish unconditional apologies in a major English daily like Hindustan Times for defaming an Army officer in the year 2001..Tejpal and Bahal said that they will make it clear that Major General MS Ahluwalia neither asked for, nor accepted any bribe.Both journalists said that they will also deposit ₹10 lakh each with the Delhi High Court..In 2001, Tehelkha did a sting operation known as Operation West End alleging that Ahluwalia took bribes in defence deals. The sting operation was telecast on Tehelka.com and Zee TV Network.Following the sting operation, a court of inquiry was held which recommended Ahluwalia’s dismissal from service. However, the then Army Chief, in his discretion, awarded him the punishment of “severe displeasure (recordable)” and he was held to be "unbecoming of an Army officer"..In July 2023, a single-judge of the High Court found Tehelka, Tejpal, Bahal and another journalist Mathew Samuel guilty of defamation and ordered them to pay ₹2 crore in damages to Ahluwalia..The High Court today heard the appeal filed by Tejpal and Bahal against the single-judge’s order.A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora heard the matter and said that in cases like these, the major relief is the apology and it should be published by Tejpal and Bahal in a major English newspaper.The Court also took note of the submissions made by Senior Advocates Sidharth Luthra and Pramod Kumar Dubey that Tejpal and Bahal cannot afford to pay such a huge amount.Meanwhile, Ahluwalia's counsel argued that the officer lived with stigma for nearly 22 years and a mere apology is not enough. He said that Tejpal and Bahal must deposit a substantial amount.The Bench considered the case and said for now, they (Tejpal and Bahal) will tender apologies and deposit ₹10 lakh each. The Court said that it will hear the appeal and decide the quantum of damages to be awarded.The matter was, therefore, adjourned to April.