Rahul’s MLA status under threat? Kerala Assembly Speaker receives complaint seeking disqualification

Thiruvananthapuram: Questions over why expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil continues to hold his Assembly seat have intensified. On Wednesday, January 14, ruling CPM legislator D.K. Murali lodged a formal complaint with Kerala Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer, alleging Mamkootathil violated the code of conduct and highlighting three sexual assault cases registered against him.

The move is the first instance of a sitting MLA seeking action against Mamkootathil and could potentially initiate the disqualification process.

Speaker cites absence of MLA complaint

Earlier in the day, Speaker Shamseer had stressed that immediate disqualification could not be initiated despite multiple private complaints seeking Mamkootathil’s removal.

He clarified that the Privileges and Ethics Committee can act only on a complaint filed by an MLA, not by private individuals. “Only a complaint by an MLA can be forwarded to the committee. Private individuals have no role in the working of the Assembly,” he said.

Shamseer added that once the committee examines such a complaint, the matter would be placed before the Assembly for further action.

What lies ahead

With D.K. Murali’s complaint now submitted, all eyes are on whether the Speaker will forward it to the Privileges and Ethics Committee, potentially bringing the issue to the Assembly floor.

Uncertainty remains over whether Mamkootathil will attend the final session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, beginning on January 20, which includes the Governor’s policy address and the State Budget presentation on January 29. Given procedural requirements, it is unclear whether a disqualification decision can be reached within the remaining days.

Dignity of the House argument rejected

Shamseer dismissed claims that Mamkootathil’s arrest had affected the dignity of the Assembly. “How does this affect the dignity of the Assembly? Individuals do not decide the dignity of the House,” he said, adding, “One cannot declare everything rotten because a single mango in a basket has gone bad.”

He also stressed that society must respect women and cautioned against judging everyone based on the actions of a few.

Arrest, probe and allegations under scrutiny

Mamkootathil is currently in the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing three sexual assault cases against him. While he had previously received protection from arrest in two cases, he was arrested on Sunday in the third case and sent to SIT custody by a Pathanamthitta court the following day.

As part of the investigation, the SIT conducted a reconstruction of events at a Thiruvalla hotel, where the alleged incident is said to have occurred on April 8, 2024. Mamkootathil was brought to the hotel under tight security at 6 a.m., and the inspection was carried out in Room No. 408.

During questioning, Mamkootathil admitted visiting the hotel with the young woman but claimed he went only to talk to her. He did not respond to the sexual assault allegation. Investigators noted the room had been booked under the name “Rahul B.R.” He has also refused to provide passwords for mobile phones seized during the probe.

Mamkootathil’s bail application in the third case will be heard on Friday.