The court is expected to pronounce the quantum of punishment at 2.30 pm.

The case relates to an incident from November 2013, when a woman journalist working with Tehelka accused Tejpal of raping her inside a lift at a luxury resort in Goa during the publication's annual Thinkfest event.

Convicted under multiple IPC provisions

A division bench comprising Justices Dr Neela Gokhale and Amit Jamsandekar held Tejpal guilty of rape and sexual harassment under Sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354A and 354B of the Indian Penal Code.

While announcing its decision, the High Court said, 'We have set aside the judgment and order and convicted Tejpal.'

Section 376(2)(f) deals with rape committed by a person occupying a position of trust or authority. Section 354A pertains to sexual harassment, while Section 354B relates to assault or the use of criminal force against a woman with the intention of disrobing her.

Tejpal pleads for leniency

The judgment follows several days of arguments in one of the country's most closely watched criminal cases involving a senior journalist.

Tejpal was present in the courtroom when the verdict was delivered. Addressing the bench after his conviction, he sought a lenient sentence, citing his age and personal circumstances.

'I am 62, and I believe I am a victim. I have a wife, and that's not much else to say. All that I can say is we can go and appeal. Please be lenient with me,' Tejpal said.

Defence seeks time to move Supreme Court

Following the conviction, senior advocate Aabad Ponda, appearing for Tejpal, urged the High Court to suspend its order for eight weeks to allow his client to challenge the verdict before the Supreme Court.

'I have a remedy to file an appeal. Please stay this order for eight weeks so that I can approach the Supreme Court against this conviction. Please also consider that I have already spent six months in jail,' Ponda argued.

The High Court will now decide the sentence after hearing submissions on the quantum of punishment.