Published Feb 03, 2026 | 8:36 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2026 | 8:36 PM
Palakkad MLA and former Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil
Synopsis: Though the Congress acted promptly against Rahul Mamkootathil after allegations of sexual assault were levelled against him, and even forwarded a complaint against the MLA to the DGP, the party is against the Ethics Committee expelling him from the Assembly.
Congress leaders are opposed to a move to disqualify Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, an accused in three cases of sexual assault, from the Assembly.
The party said that the Ethics Committee’s disqualification of an elected MLA could set a dangerous precedent.
Opposition members of the committee pointed out a technical flaw in MLA DK Murali’s complaint during the previous meeting. CPI(M) member Murali insisted that he should be allowed to raise Rahul’s cases and bring up the issue as a point of order.
Opposition members questioned the committee for entertaining Murali’s demand. Other parties in the UDF parliamentary group also shared the same view.
However, the Congress’s decision to remove Rahul from the party will remain unchanged.
Speaking to South First, Angamaly MLA and Congress leader Roji M John, who is a member of the committee, said the complaint itself lacked clarity. He pointed out that the complainant had not sought the expulsion of Rahul in the letter.
Instead, the complaint stated that the controversy surrounding the Palakkad MLA had affected the Assembly’s decorum and requested the Speaker to take up the matter for discussion in the House. The Speaker subsequently referred the complaint to the Privileges and Ethics Committee.
”We never defended Rahul. But how can an MLA be disqualified merely based on cases? Most MLAs have cases against them, both bailable and non-bailable. I have five or six cases. Unless and until someone is convicted, how can such action be taken?” John asked.
Copy of the Complaint
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan stated that the Ethics Committee has no authority to disqualify an MLA.
He pointed out that M Mukesh, a CPI(M) MLA, is an accused in a rape case, and said the Congress could not agree with the argument that MLAs facing criminal cases should be disqualified.
Neither the Ethics Committee nor the Assembly has the power to take such action, he added, cautioning against setting such a precedent.
”This stand is not limited to this particular case. If such a precedent is set, those who have a majority in the Ethics Committee can disqualify anyone. Antony Raju was disqualified only after being convicted by a court, as there is a proper law for that. Our position is that a member should not be disqualified merely because he is an accused in a case” Satheesan said.
Under Assembly rules, the committee can suggest penalties ranging from a warning to expulsion for serious or unethical conduct. After the report is placed before the House, the chief minister may move a motion based on its recommendations.
The CPI(M) has a majority in the nine-member Ethics Committee.
Speaking to South First MLA Murali, said that the Ethics Committee had not directly informed him about the next procedures or hearing in the case.
He stated that Rahul’s actions cannot be defended under any circumstances.
For an MLA, public interest must always come before personal interests. His actions are unacceptable even from a human perspective. Every member of the Legislative Assembly has a responsibility to protect the dignity and decorum of the House.
“I submitted a complaint to the Speaker, who referred it to the Ethics Committee. Many Congress leaders themselves are of the opinion that he should be disqualified. There is no similarity between the charges against Rahul and those against Mukesh,” he said.
Although several MLAs face criminal cases, Rahul’s case is different and far more serious. The survivors have come forward with evidence, including crucial voice recordings. Such allegations have never before been levelled against an MLA, whether from the opposition or the ruling front, he said.
”In the past, we have not demanded disqualification in similar cases, and neither has the other side. But this case goes beyond legal proceedings and involves a deeper moral issue that is unacceptable for an MLA. I did not want this to become a public debate, but circumstances have pushed it in that direction” he said.
Meanwhile, the Legislative Assembly’s Privilege and Ethics Committee agreed to conduct a hearing based on Murali’s complaint. The committee asked Murali to appear before it on 23 February.
The committee will also seek Rahul’s explanation on the matter. Since procedural steps are still underway, no final decision will be taken during the current session.
Recently, former minister and MLA Antony Raju has been disqualified from the Assembly after his conviction in a 1990 evidence-tampering case. A magistrate court sentenced him to three years in prison in January 2026, triggering automatic disqualification.
However, on Monday, 2 February, the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court stayed the sentence after admitting his appeal. The court clarified that the guilty verdict would remain and the disqualification would continue. Detailed arguments will be heard on 6 February.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
