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Kerala Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan asserted that the Assembly's Ethics Committee lacks the authority to expel or disqualify a legislator based solely on allegations, emphasizing that such actions require a court conviction, as demonstrated by the disqualification of MLA Antony Raju. Satheesan stated this position in response to a ruling CPI(M) MLA's complaint seeking the disqualification of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces multiple sexual assault allegations and has been granted bail in some cases, arguing that being named an accused or expelled from a party is insufficient grounds for losing Assembly membership.
DK Murali, Vamanapuram MLA filed a complaint with speaker
He was arrested and remanded on January 11.
In the bail plea submitted by Mamkootathil's counsels it was pointed out that the registration of the FIR and the arrest of the petitioner were illegal.
Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was granted bail by a Pathanamthitta district court in his third rape and criminal intimidation case, despite his previous bail plea being rejected by the Thiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate Court I, which found his claim of a consensual relationship unconvincing. Mamkootathil, who had been remanded to judicial custody, reportedly admitted to the Special Investigation Team checking into a hotel room in April 2024 where the alleged incident, based on a complaint from a woman settled abroad, occurred. This development occurs while he faces a first case of rape and forcible abortion, where he received High Court interim protection after initial anticipatory bail denial, and a second case where he had secured pre-arrest bail.
The documents show that Mamkootathil consistently initiated conversations with her and was continuously available online to talk to her.
The defence came up with an argument that the survivor hadn't signed the FIS in front of any authority, as she was in Canada.
The investigation reveals a pattern of manipulation, threats, and violence, leading the court to perceive a serious offense beyond consensual engagement.
Munsiff Magistrate Arundhathi Dileep refused to accept the contention of Rahul that the relationship was totally consensual and had the consent of the survivor.
The plea includes Whatsapp chats and other communication, suggesting the survivor maintained a friendly relationship with Mamkootathil even after the alleged incident.
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