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 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. The Supreme Court made it clear that it was not examining merits of the case at this stage....