Kochi, 18 Dec (H.S.): In a significant development, today is expected to be a decisive day for CPI(M) MLA Rahul Mankootathil, who is facing serious allegations of rape. The Kerala High Court will hear his anticipatory bail plea in the first rape case, after the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court earlier rejected his request for bail.

A bench led by Justice K. Babu will consider detailed arguments in the petition, even as the interim order protecting the MLA from arrest expires today. If the court does not extend this protection, the police will be free to move forward with arrest procedures.

The prosecution is expected to file the case diary and a detailed report on the ongoing investigation before the court. While Rahul has argued that the relationship with the complainant was consensual and that the complaint is politically motivated, the prosecution maintains it possesses sufficient evidence to prove sexual assault and forced abortion.

Earlier this week, the High Court had deferred the hearing to today and allowed the interim protection against Rahul’s arrest to continue until the petition is decided. The adjournment followed requests from both sides for additional time to present their arguments effectively.

Meanwhile, in the second rape case registered against the MLA, the government has appealed the Sessions Court's decision granting him anticipatory bail. The High Court will take up that appeal after the Christmas vacation. The move follows the court permitting Rahul’s lawyer additional time to file a response in the matter.

With two parallel cases, mounting legal pressure, and intensified political scrutiny, today’s High Court proceedings are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the course of the first case—particularly whether Rahul Mankootathil will continue to remain shielded from arrest as the investigation progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman