The Kerala High Court on Thursday prolonged its earlier interim directive, which prevents the police from detaining Palakkad legislator Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with a sexual assault case. The protection has been extended until January 7.
Court Adjourns Detailed Hearing
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, presiding over the case, also decided to postpone Mamkootathil's petition for pre-arrest bail. The court has scheduled a comprehensive hearing on this plea for January 7. The MLA sought refuge in the High Court after the Thiruvananthapuram sessions court turned down his application for anticipatory bail.
Background of the Case
The legal troubles for the politician stem from a complaint filed at the Nemom police station. The case was registered following a grievance submitted by the de facto complainant directly to the Chief Minister's office, which was subsequently forwarded to the police for action. The First Information Report (FIR) includes serious charges under sections for rape and coercive termination of pregnancy. Mamkootathil has categorically denied all these allegations.
In his petition to the High Court, the MLA acknowledged having a relationship with the complainant. However, he contended that their partnership soured after certain private voice recordings of their conversations were made public on social media platforms, eroding mutual trust.
MLA's Allegations and Court's Observations
Mamkootathil argued that his political stature made him a target, with certain elements trying to capitalize on the personal dispute. He further stated that the complainant, overwhelmed by intense media scrutiny, felt pressured to renounce their relationship publicly as a defensive measure. This act, according to him, ultimately led to the filing of the current case.
During a prior hearing, the High Court took note of the serious contentions raised by the MLA's legal team. The bench also observed that it was an admitted fact that the relationship between the two individuals was consensual. Given the complexities and the need for a thorough examination, the court deemed a detailed hearing necessary. It was based on this assessment that the interim order, restraining any coercive action by the police, was initially issued and now stands extended.
The developments ensure that the Palakkad MLA will remain free from arrest at least until the first week of January, when the court will delve deeper into the merits of his anticipatory bail petition.
