On 6 December 2025, the Kerala High Court granted interim protection from arrest to former Indian National Congress (INC) MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces serious charges including rape and forced abortion.
What the court order says
Presiding Justice K. Babu ordered that police must not arrest Mamkootathil while his anticipatory-bail petition is pending, and has scheduled the next hearing for 15 December 2025.
The bench noted that the accused has raised “serious contentions,” including that the relationship was consensual, and that custodial interrogation may not be necessary at least at this preliminary stage.
Background Charges, legal developments and political fallout
Upon registration of the case, Mamkootathil had moved for anticipatory bail, but a sessions court in Thiruvananthapuram rejected the plea on 4 December. Immediately thereafter, the INC expelled him from its primary membership.
On 4 December, Mamkootathil became a first-time MLA of the state precisely one year after his election, intensifying the political shockwaves triggered by his legal troubles.
Reaction, implications and what’s at stake
The interim protection gives Mamkootathil temporary reprieve, but it does not confer innocence the court order simply pauses immediate arrest pending further review.
Meanwhile, authorities and victims’ rights groups warn that his political influence, alleged misuse of power, and public standing raise concerns about witness tampering, evidence destruction, and pressure on the complainants. As stated in the FIR, charges also include potential threat, criminal intimidation and privacy violation under digital-evidence provisions.
Political ramifications already surfaced the Congress’s prompt expulsion of Mamkootathil signals damage control. But critics argue that legal proceedings, not party actions, should determine justice. Many await the court’s full hearing on 15 December, when the factual and evidentiary fight begins.
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