Speaker Refers Complaint Against Rahul Mankootathil to Ethics Committee; Report Expected Soon

Thiruvananthapuram: Speaker A.N. Shamseer has referred a complaint filed by CPI(M) MLA D.K. Murali against MLA Rahul Mankootathil, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a rape case, to the Assembly’s Privileges and Ethics Committee. The complaint seeks appropriate action against Rahul Mankootathil for actions deemed inconsistent with the dignity of the Legislative Assembly.

The Ethics Committee, which is tasked with investigating such matters, is chaired by Murali Perunelli. Its members include P. Balachandran, M.V. Govindan, U.A. Latheef, Mathew T. Thomas, T.P. Ramakrishnan, Roji M. John, H. Salam, and K.K. Shailaja. Among these, U.A. Latheef and Roji M. John represent the opposition.

Following the referral by the Speaker, D.K. Murali will no longer be able to raise this specific complaint in the Assembly. Instead, the committee’s report will be presented to the house. Based on this report, the Assembly can then pass a resolution, introduced by the Chief Minister, to determine a suitable punishment, which could range from censure to expulsion from the assembly.

The committee is expected to take statements from both Rahul Mankootathil and D.K. Murali. The complainant, D.K. Murali, is required to submit supporting evidence for his allegations. His complaint is reportedly based on observations made by the court and the grievances of the survivor. The committee holds the authority to summon any individual to provide testimony pertinent to the investigation.

While the committee’s decisions typically aim for unanimity, members who disagree with the findings are permitted to record their dissenting opinions, which will be included in the final report submitted to the Assembly. A point of interest will be the stance adopted by the Congress party, which has already expelled Rahul Mankootathil, and its ally, the Muslim League, within the committee.

This legislative assembly session marks the last for the current government. Should the government intend to take action against Rahul Mankootathil, the proceedings must be concluded before the session ends on March 26. However, if election dates are announced prior to this, the session may be adjourned prematurely. Consequently, the committee is anticipated to convene swiftly to commence its proceedings and ensure timely resolution.