New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- The Supreme Court on Friday refused to suspend journalist Tarun Tejpal's 10-year sentence in a 2013 rape case, while agreeing to hear his appeal against the Bombay high court verdict that convicted him. A bench of justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said it was not inclined to suspend the sentence after considering the prosecution witnesses, material on record and messages exchanged between Tejpal and the complainant. "On a prima facie view, particularly with regard to the prosecution witnesses and the material produced and the messages on record, we do not find it a fit ground to grant suspension of sentence," the bench said. Tejpal had sought release on bail pending his appeal, citing Diwali and the fact that he had remained out on bail during the proceedings before the high court without any allegation that he misused his liberty. The bench, however, said: "In our prima facie view, we are not inclined to grant suspension of sentence." The court "granted leave", admitting Tejpal's appeal against his conviction and sentence. It also admitted the Goa government's appeal seeking enhancement of his sentence. During the hearing, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Siddharth Agarwal, appearing for Tejpal, challenged the prosecution's case and argued that the complainant's account was false. Sibal said the incident took place on November 7, 2013, at a hotel in Goa where Tehelka's annual event was being held. Tejpal was then the editor of the magazine and the complainant was an employee. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Goa government, opposed Tejpal's plea and referred to messages exchanged between him and the complainant, including an apology from Tejpal....