NEW DELHI: Even before former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal could challenge his conviction and the 10-year imprisonment awarded by the Goa bench of Bombay HC in a sexual assault case, Goa govt Tuesday filed an appeal in Supreme Court seeking enhancement of the sentence to life imprisonment, arguing that he got away lightly given the gravity of the offence.

"Passage of time cannot operate to the benefit of the offender or become a premium for the delay in the administration of justice, particularly at the cost of the victim," govt said.