Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Secures Bail in Third Sexual Assault Case
In a significant legal development, expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been granted bail by a Kerala court in the third sexual assault case registered against him. The bail order was passed by the Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the former legislator.
Court Proceedings and Bail Details
Principal District and Sessions Judge N Harikumar issued the bail order, as reported by legal news portal Bar and Bench. The bail was granted after Mamkootathil appealed against an earlier decision by a judicial magistrate's court that had denied him relief. The magistrate had cited the seriousness of the allegations and noted that the expelled Congress leader had "similar antecedents" in previous cases.
The bail comes after Mamkootathil was arrested on 11 January 2026 in Palakkad in connection with this case. Following his arrest, he was remanded to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for three days by the Thiruvalla First Class Magistrate Court on 13 January 2026.
Details of the Third Case
The third sexual assault case was registered against the Palakkad MLA under Sections 376 (rape) and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This followed a complaint lodged by a woman from Kottayam district on 8 January 2026. The woman alleged that Mamkootathil had sexually assaulted her in 2024.
However, the expelled MLA has vehemently denied these allegations. He claims that his relationship with the complainant was consensual and that he was unaware that the woman was in a marital relationship at the time.
Previous Legal Protections
Earlier, Mamkootathil had received protection from arrest from both the Kerala High Court and a Thiruvananthapuram sessions court in the first two sexual assault cases. These initial cases were registered based on complaints by two different women, highlighting a pattern of allegations against the former Congress leader.
The granting of bail in this third case adds another layer to the complex legal battles Mamkootathil is facing. It underscores the judicial process's ongoing evaluation of evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Political and Legal Implications
As an expelled Congress MLA, Mamkootathil's case has drawn significant political and public attention. The multiple sexual assault allegations have sparked debates about accountability and justice within political circles. The bail decision may influence future legal strategies and public perception as the cases proceed through the courts.
Legal experts note that while bail provides temporary relief, the serious nature of the charges means that Mamkootathil will continue to face rigorous legal scrutiny. The SIT's investigation and subsequent court hearings will be closely watched for further developments.
This remains a developing story, with potential updates expected as the legal proceedings advance. The outcome of these cases could have lasting implications for both the individuals involved and broader discussions about sexual assault allegations in India.
