Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala high court has temporarily stayed the arrest of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the sexual assault case registered against him. The decision comes after Rahul filed a petition requesting anticipatory bail, following the rejection of his bail plea by the Thiruvananthapuram sessions court earlier this week.

During the hearing, the high court stated that more time was required to examine the case details and directed the police to submit the case diary. Until the next hearing on December 15, the police cannot arrest the MLA.

Rahul’s legal team argued that he is ready to cooperate with the investigation and claimed that the allegations against him are politically motivated. However, investigators have said that the charges are serious and include rape and coercion. A second complaint has also been filed, adding pressure to the case.

Meanwhile, the Congress party expelled Rahul soon after the lower court rejected his bail plea. Despite the expulsion, he continues to hold his position as MLA because removal from party membership does not automatically affect his assembly seat.

The case has sparked widespread public discussion and political reactions across Kerala. Further developments are expected once the court resumes hearing the petition later this month.