No immediate disqualification of arrested MLA Mamkootathil: Kerala Speaker
text_fields
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer on Wednesday ruled out any immediate move to disqualify expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, stating that no formal complaint had been received from any sitting legislator seeking action against him, even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continued evidence collection in a third rape case against the MLA.
Shamseer said that while he had received private complaints, disqualification proceedings could be initiated only if a formal complaint was submitted by a member of the Assembly.
He further clarified that for the issue to be referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee, at least one MLA must file a written complaint, something that has not happened so far.
Rejecting claims that Mamkootathil’s arrest in a rape case had tarnished the dignity of the House, the Speaker said individual actions do not define the institution.
“How does this affect the dignity of the Assembly? Individuals do not decide the dignity of the House,” Shamseer said, adding that one cannot declare everything rotten simply because one mango in a basket has gone bad.
He also said society must learn to respect women and cautioned against painting everyone with the same brush because of the actions of a few.
The Speaker’s remarks came as the SIT conducted a reconstruction of events with Mamkootathil at a hotel in Thiruvalla in connection with the third rape case registered against him.
Based on the survivor’s complaint, evidence collection was carried out at the hotel where the alleged incident reportedly took place on April 8, 2024.
Amid heavy protests, the Congress MLA was taken to the hotel under tight security at around 6 a.m.
Investigators inspected Room No. 408, which, according to the complaint, is where the alleged sexual assault occurred.
During questioning, Mamkootathil admitted that he had gone to the hotel with the young woman but claimed he had visited only to speak with her. He did not respond to the allegation of sexual assault.
Investigators said the room had been booked under the name “Rahul B.R.”
Mamkootathil has also declined to provide passwords for the mobile phones seized as part of the investigation.
With the probe progressing and political pressure mounting, the Speaker’s clarification has, for now, put to rest speculation over any immediate disqualification of the legislator.
Mamkootathil’s bail application in this case is scheduled to be heard on Friday.
Attention is now focused on whether, if granted bail, he will attend the final session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, which begins on January 20.
The Governor’s policy address is scheduled for the same day.
The 32-day Assembly session will see the presentation of the State Budget on January 29.
With IANS inputs