Thiruvananthapuram: Amid the BJP’s protest over Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil’s presence at the Kerala School Science Festival, Education Minister V Sivankutty said here on Saturday that the government cannot legally bar a people’s representative from attending a public event.

Rahul Mamkoottathil, who faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations, had earlier faced intense protests from the ruling CPM, opposition BJP, and their allied outfits. On Friday, several BJP leaders boycotted the school science fest after the MLA arrived.

Mamkoottathil shared the stage with Sivankutty and other prominent personalities during the inauguration of the science fest held in Palakkad on Friday.

On Saturday, Sivankutty justified the MLA’s presence, stating that there is no legal restriction preventing Mamkoottathil from attending public programmes in his capacity as an MLA. However, later in the day, the minister made a U-turn on the matter, saying that every individual must uphold moral responsibility and propriety while appearing before the public, reported PTI.

He said that clear instructions would be issued to ensure that no situation arises in future programmes organised by the General Education Department that could negatively impact students' confidence or moral values, or those of the public.

In an official statement, the minister said the government understands the dissatisfaction and concerns caused by the presence of a person facing sexual allegations at a public event attended by children, parents, and teachers. Such controversies, he noted, are not in line with the noble objectives of the Department of General Education.

“Though a people’s representative cannot be legally barred from attending a public event, every individual must uphold moral responsibility and propriety when standing before the public,” the minister said.

The allegations against Mamkoottathil are currently under investigation, and the law will take its due course, he added.

However, the government believes that individuals facing such allegations should voluntarily refrain from attending public functions, particularly those meant to inspire and serve as role models for children, he pointed out.

The minister also affirmed that the government remains firmly committed to upholding the dignity and integrity of the public education sector.