Kochi: The Kerala High Court has extended the interim stay on the arrest of MLA Rahul Mankoottil in a rape case until January 21, while also allowing the complainant to be impleaded as a party in his anticipatory bail plea.
Granting the complainant two weeks to file a detailed counter-affidavit, the court adjourned the matter to January 21 for comprehensive arguments. The High Court made it clear that a final verdict on Rahul Mankoottil’s anticipatory bail application will be delivered only after hearing detailed submissions from both sides.
The decision came after considering the complainant’s request for time to submit her response. During the hearing, she expressed serious concerns for her safety, stating that granting bail to the accused would pose a threat to her life.
In her plea, the complainant alleged that she has already been receiving threats from the MLA’s supporters, associates, and friends, and that she is also facing intense cyber harassment.
Rahul Mankoottil, meanwhile, has reiterated his stand that the relationship was consensual and that the abortion referred to in the case was carried out by the woman of her own choice. The High Court had earlier stayed his arrest until Tuesday, a protection that now stands extended till January 21.
