Kochi, December 6 (NationPress) In a notable interim safeguard for the troubled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, the Kerala High Court has ruled on Saturday that he will not face arrest until December 15. This decision comes as the legislator remains elusive to law enforcement, facing increasing pressure from both the police and his party.

A Constitution Bench reviewed Mamkootathil's petition for anticipatory bail amid serious allegations of rape against him.

This ruling follows the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court's denial of his bail request, which deemed that custodial interrogation was vital for a thorough investigation due to the grave nature of the accusations.

During the High Court proceedings, Mamkootathil's attorney indicated the need to present additional arguments before the case could advance.

The judges made it clear that they would refrain from delving into the case's specifics at this moment.

Nonetheless, they provided interim protection from arrest until December 15, preventing the police from detaining him before the next hearing and effectively halting the intensifying search effort.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal commented on the bail situation, stating that the public can seek recourse through the judicial system, and the party has taken its actions.

Having been untraceable for several days, Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress earlier this week following the emergence of these allegations and the escalation of the inquiry.

His absence has sparked criticism across the political landscape, raising concerns about his unwillingness to cooperate with the investigation.

The High Court's temporary ruling offers a reprieve for the embattled MLA but also increases scrutiny on the Congress party, which is already facing challenges regarding its management of the situation.

This interim relief seems advantageous for the Congress party as the two-phase local body elections will conclude, and the results will be announced by then.