In a significant legal development, the Kerala High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a sexual assault case involving allegations of rape and forced abortion. Justice Kauser Edappagath approved Mamkootathil’s plea, which challenged the earlier Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court decision that had denied him anticipatory bail. The detailed order is yet to be released, but the decision offers temporary protection to the Palakkad MLA from immediate arrest.
Mamkootathil, representing Palakkad, has been embroiled in multiple sexual assault allegations. This is the first case formally registered against him, although he is accused in two other similar cases. Since December 6, 2025, he has been shielded from arrest in this first case. In the two other cases, he avoided arrest, while in the third case, he was taken into custody and spent over two weeks before obtaining regular bail. This pattern of legal challenges has kept Mamkootathil under intense public and media scrutiny, raising questions about political accountability and the legal process in high-profile cases.
The Kerala High Court’s decision highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing individual rights with the need for due process. While the bail protects Mamkootathil from immediate arrest, the investigation into the allegations will continue. Legal experts note that the case could have broader political implications, especially given Mamkootathil’s former position as a Congress legislator and his expulsion from the party following the controversy.
The case has attracted significant public and media attention, with civil society organizations emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice for victims while respecting legal procedures. Political analysts suggest the development could influence ongoing debates about political accountability and ethical conduct among elected representatives in Kerala.
Key highlights include the Kerala High Court granting anticipatory bail to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the case involving allegations of rape and forced abortion, the previous denial of bail by Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court, and Mamkootathil being accused in two other similar sexual assault cases with mixed legal outcomes. The detailed HC order is still awaited.
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The Kerala High Court’s decision marks a critical juncture in a high-profile sexual assault case. While providing temporary relief to Rahul Mamkootathil, the matter continues to draw attention for its legal, political, and societal implications. As investigations proceed, the judiciary’s handling of the case will remain under close public scrutiny.