The Kerala High Court on Wednesday extended by two more weeks the interim protection from arrest granted to expelled Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing serious allegations of rape and forced abortion. The court scheduled the next hearing on his anticipatory bail petition for January 21.
Justice A Badharudeen, who is hearing the matter, extended the interim relief initially granted on December 6, 2025, and continued thereafter till January 7, citing the need for further examination of the case before making a final decision on the MLA’s plea.
Mamkootathil, who was expelled from the Congress party on December 4 last year, had moved the High Court challenging the Thiruvananthapuram Principal District and Sessions Court’s order that had denied him anticipatory bail. He claimed that the allegations were baseless and politically motivated, asserting that the relationship with the complainant was consensual. He further argued that his custodial interrogation was unwarranted.
The complainant, however, has also approached the High Court, seeking to be impleaded in the proceedings and opposing the MLA’s anticipatory bail. She has alleged that the accused not only sexually assaulted her but also forced her to undergo an abortion.
Following the registration of the FIR in the case, Mamkootathil had gone into hiding. He resurfaced after securing interim protection from arrest from the High Court on December 6. Days later, on December 11, he made a public appearance in Palakkad to cast his vote in the local body elections.
The case has triggered sharp political reactions in Kerala, with opposition parties demanding accountability and transparency in the handling of the case involving a former legislator.
The matter will now be taken up by the High Court on January 21 for further proceedings.
