Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 08, 2026 – The Kerala High Court on Wednesday granted interim relief from arrest to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, extending protection until January 21 in connection with a high-profile rape and abortion case. The court also allowed the impleading petition filed by the survivor to be included in the proceedings.

The order was pronounced by Justice A Badharudeen, who scheduled a detailed hearing on January 21, after which a decision on the MLA’s plea for anticipatory bail will be made.

Background of the Case

Rahul Mamkootathil, formerly a Congress member, had moved the High Court after his anticipatory bail petition was rejected by the Principal Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram last month. The case, registered at Nemom Police Station, stems from allegations of:

• Rape
• Causing miscarriage
• Voluntarily causing hurt
• Criminal intimidation

The allegations follow multiple complaints against the MLA, which had led to his expulsion from the Congress last year.

The complainant’s husband has also submitted separate grievances to the Kerala Chief Minister and Director General of Police (DGP), accusing Mamkootathil of disrupting family life and alleging that the police were not taking adequate action against the legislator.

MLA’s Stand

Mamkootathil has consistently maintained that his relationship with the complainant was consensual, denying claims of forced abortion. His legal team argued for protection from arrest while the investigation and trial proceed, citing ongoing judicial review.

Next Steps

The High Court’s decision to extend interim relief ensures that Mamkootathil will not be taken into custody until the next hearing on January 21. The court will consider all submissions, including the survivor’s impleading petition, before ruling on the MLA’s request for anticipatory bail.

The case continues to attract attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the involvement of a sitting legislator, with both legal and political ramifications in the state.

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