Kerala HC Defers State’s Challenge to Mamkootathil’s Bail, Extends Interim Protection in Separate Case

Overview

• The Kerala government moved the High Court to set aside a Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court order granting anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a Crime Branch-registered rape case.
• Justice Viju Abraham granted time for the defence to file objections to the state’s plea and posted the matter for hearing after the court’s winter vacation.
• In a separate case registered by Nemom Police alleging rape and causing miscarriage without consent, Justice K. Babu extended Mamkootathil’s interim protection from arrest until December 18.
• The state argues the Sessions Court erred in finding no prima facie material, citing the complainant’s detailed statement, the FIR and preliminary investigation records.
• Prosecution filings describe a 2023 episode in which contact via Telegram allegedly led to a meeting at a homestay and sexual assault, with the complaint routed through the KPCC to police, resulting in the Crime Branch case.