Kochi: The Kerala High Court has reportedly granted temporary protection from arrest to MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil in a case accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman and coercing her into terminating a pregnancy. The order will remain in effect until December 15.
During the hearing on his anticipatory bail plea, Justice K. Babu is said to have noted that the court would take up the matter for detailed consideration on December 15. The judge directed that the petitioner should not be arrested until then, TNIE reported
Justice Babu also reportedly observed that no individual should face condemnation before guilt is established and that, while the case is being examined by a constitutional court, the petitioner would not be taken into custody. The judge mentioned that the MLA claimed the relationship was consensual and that this aspect was not disputed at that stage. He clarified that the court had ensured protection from arrest in light of the petitioner’s arguments.
According to the MLA’s petition, the complainant who had said she was separated from her husband, developed a close, intimate relationship with him after frequent communication and several meetings. The plea adds that the woman informed him her employer asked her to provide a written statement acknowledging the relationship and explaining that personal differences had led to her taking a long leave, which was required for her to resume work.
The petition also claims that audio clips circulated online invaded the complainant’s privacy and that the source of the leaked conversations needs to be determined. This alleged breach of privacy reportedly led to mistrust between the two, with the complainant suspecting that the petitioner might have leaked the chats.
The MLA further alleges that political considerations may be driving the case, especially with elections nearing. The complainant, according to the petition, was concerned about media narratives and felt pressured to deny the relationship.
The petitioner maintains he possesses communication records that support his claims, but says he needs time to present them because he was being pursued by police before he could approach the court and the investigation continued without waiting for judicial directions.
The plea also argues that political influence has affected the probe and that the complaint was submitted belatedly and directly to the Chief Minister instead of through the usual procedure.