The Kerala High Court on February 12, 2026, granted anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the first of three sexual assault cases registered against him, providing relief from arrest in connection with allegations of rape and forced abortion. A Bench led by Justice Kauser Edappagath allowed the plea after the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court had earlier rejected his anticipatory bail application. The decision comes amid a series of complaints filed against the expelled Congress leader, who faces multiple FIRs involving serious charges of sexual misconduct.
The case in question was registered by the Nemom police in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing Mamkootathil of rape under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, causing miscarriage without consent, voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and violation of privacy under the Information Technology Act. Prosecutors alleged that he subjected the complainant to forcible sexual intercourse, leading to pregnancy, which he allegedly coerced her to terminate through intimidation and other means. The High Court imposed strict conditions for the bail, including that Mamkootathil must appear before the investigating officer on February 16, 2026, for interrogation, surrender his mobile phone, execute a bond of Rs 1 lakh, and not leave the state of Kerala without permission. He was also directed to surrender his passport.
Mamkootathil, who was expelled from the Congress party following the emergence of these allegations, had already secured bail in the other two related sexual assault cases. The first case stems from a complaint forwarded to police after being lodged with the Chief Minister's office in late 2025, with subsequent FIRs filed in different districts alleging similar patterns of assault under false promises of marriage. The High Court's order noted that, at this prima facie stage, the allegations did not fully establish a case of rape, though the court emphasized compliance with investigative requirements to ensure justice.
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The ruling provides comprehensive protection against arrest in the pending matters and follows an earlier interim stay on his arrest granted by the High Court in December 2025. The cases have drawn significant public and political attention in Kerala, highlighting issues of accountability for public figures amid serious criminal allegations. Investigations continue under police supervision, with the accused required to cooperate fully as per the bail conditions.
The decision underscores the judiciary's approach to balancing the rights of the accused with the need for thorough probe in sensitive cases involving sexual offences. As the matter progresses, further developments are expected from ongoing interrogations and evidence collection by authorities.
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