Vamanapuram MLA DK Murali handed over a notice to Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer seeking Mamkootathil's disqualification.
Published Jan 15, 2026 | 8:31 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 15, 2026 | 8:31 AM
Rahul Mamkootathil.
Synopsis: The CPI(M) initiated steps to remove Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the Kerala Assembly following his arrest in a sexual harassment case. Kerala Assembly AN Shamseer said the issue would be examined by the Assembly’s Privileges and Ethics Committee
In a significant development, the CPI(M) initiated steps to remove Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the Kerala Assembly following his arrest in a sexual harassment case.
Vamanapuram MLA DK Murali handed over a notice to Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer seeking Mamkootathil’s disqualification, stating that his conduct is unbecoming of a member of the House and violates the rules governing legislators.
Murali’s move comes after the Speaker told the media earlier in the day that action would be taken if any MLA submitted a formal complaint.
Acting on this, Murali filed a letter requesting that the matter be raised in the Assembly, alleging that Rahul had violated the model code of conduct applicable to members.
Shamseer said the issue would be examined by the Assembly’s Privileges and Ethics Committee, adding that the House has no previous experience of disqualifying a member solely on the basis of criminal cases, though it does have the power to take such action.
He clarified that while several complaints have been received from outside against Rahul, action could only be initiated based on a complaint filed by an MLA. Responding to queries, the Speaker said a final decision would be taken after consulting legal experts.
He also remarked that continuing as an MLA while facing serious sexual harassment allegations sends a wrong message to society. The issue is expected to gain traction when the Assembly’s Budget Session begins on the 20th of this month.
With Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan publicly stating that Mamkootathil is now outside the Congress, political observers noted that party backing may not be forthcoming if the matter comes up for discussion in the House.
It will also remain a suspense whether Mamkootathil will attend the budget session if he secures bail.
On Tuesday, the Thiruvalla First Class Judicial Magistrate Court had given a Special Investigation Team (SIT) a three-day custody of Mamkootathil. He will be produced before the court on Thursday, and his bail application will be considered on Friday.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
