Kerala activist Rahul Easwar has approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a high-profile cyber harassment case. This legal move comes after the de facto complainant in a sexual assault case against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil accused Easwar of continuing online harassment, allegedly in clear violation of the conditions set during his previous bail.
Chronology of the Case and Arrest
The legal troubles for Easwar began when a woman filed a formal complaint alleging cyber harassment. Based on this complaint, a case was registered, leading to Easwar's arrest on December 1. However, he did not remain in custody for long, as the Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram granted him bail on December 15.
Fresh Allegations of Bail Condition Violations
The situation escalated when the complainant approached the police again. She filed another complaint, asserting that Easwar continued the cyber harassment even after his release on bail. Her specific allegation states that Easwar shared a new video on a social media platform which contained content she found insulting and harassing, directly contravening the terms of his bail.
Easwar's Defense and Counter-Claim
In his anticipatory bail petition submitted to the High Court, Rahul Easwar has presented a starkly different narrative. He contends that his actions did not breach any bail conditions. Easwar argues that he merely presented factual aspects through a video on his YouTube channel. His defense hinges on the claim that this was an exercise in presenting information and not an act amounting to harassment or violation of the court's order.
The case now rests with the Kerala High Court, which will examine the merits of the fresh complaint against the activist's defense. The outcome will determine whether Easwar secures pre-arrest bail or faces potential custody again. This development highlights the ongoing legal and digital tensions surrounding the sensitive case involving the MLA.
