Kochi ,07 Jan (H.S.):The Kerala High Court on Tuesday extended its interim order restraining the arrest of Rahul Mankootathil, MLA, who is facing allegations in a rape case, until January 21.

The court also allowed the complainant to be impleaded as a party in Mankootathil’s anticipatory bail plea and granted her two weeks’ time to file a detailed counter-affidavit. The matter was posted to January 21 to enable the complainant to submit her response, after which the court will hear detailed arguments from both sides.

The High Court made it clear that a final decision on the MLA’s plea for anticipatory bail would be taken only after the completion of arguments on that date.

During the hearing, the complainant submitted that granting bail to the accused would pose a serious threat to her life. She informed the court that she has already been facing intimidation and threats from the accused’s supporters, associates, and friends.

The complainant further alleged that she is being subjected to sustained cyber harassment, which has intensified after the case became public. Citing these concerns, she sought protection and urged the court to consider the potential risks to her safety before passing any order in favour of the accused.

Taking note of the submissions, the High Court permitted the complainant to place her detailed version on record through a sworn affidavit. The court observed that the matter required careful consideration of all arguments and materials placed before it, and therefore adjourned the case to January 21 for a comprehensive hearing.

Earlier, the court had granted interim protection to Rahul Mankootathil, staying his arrest until the present date. With today’s order, that protection now stands extended until January 21.

On his part, Rahul Mankootathil has denied the allegations levelled against him. He has maintained before the court that the relationship between him and the complainant was consensual. The MLA has also stated that the alleged abortion was carried out by the woman of her own free will and not under any coercion or pressure from him.

The case has drawn significant public attention, given the seriousness of the allegations and the political position held by the accused. The High Court’s final decision on the anticipatory bail plea, expected after the January 21 hearing, is likely to have major legal and political ramifications.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman