The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil in the first of three rape cases filed against him. This decision comes with stringent conditions, marking his bail in all three cases. The prosecution opposed the plea, arguing against bail due to alleged mental manipulation and sexual exploitation of the complainant.
The court, after reviewing the woman’s statement, found insufficient evidence to definitively establish the occurrence of rape. It emphasized that a married woman engaging in another relationship is not inherently illegal or unethical. The court raised concerns over denying anticipatory bail solely on this basis and mentioned the possibility of additional charges if explicit images are found in the future.
Under the bail conditions, Mamkoottathil is required to cooperate with the investigating officer, undergo questioning for three days, surrender his mobile phone for examination, and submit his passport. He is prohibited from leaving Kerala, must report regularly to the investigating officer, and is forbidden from contacting witnesses or committing any offenses while on bail.
The court’s decision is anticipated to have political implications, sparking discussions on Mamkoottathil’s future focus on retaining the Palakkad Assembly seat.
