Rahul Mamkootathil Faces Potential Disqualification; Legislative Ethics Committee to Meet on February 2
Thiruvananthapuram: The Legislative Assembly’s Ethics and Privileges Committee is scheduled to convene on February 2 to address a complaint lodged against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The committee will review the petition filed by CPM MLA D.K. Murali, with its report expected to be presented during the current assembly session. There is a strong possibility that Rahul Mamkootathil may face expulsion.
The complaint demands appropriate action against Rahul Mamkootathil for allegedly committing acts unworthy of the Legislative Assembly’s dignity. The Ethics Committee, based on its report, has the authority to expel MLAs involved in unethical activities, provided a complaint is filed by another MLA. It is under these circumstances that Vamanapuram MLA D.K. Murali submitted his complaint.
The committee’s report will be presented before the Assembly. Based on this report, the Chief Minister will move a resolution seeking a suitable penalty, which the Assembly will then pass. The Assembly has the power to impose sanctions ranging from censure to expulsion.
Murali Perunelli chairs the Legislative Assembly’s Privileges and Ethics Committee. 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 are opposition members.
The committee will record statements from both Rahul Mamkootathil and D.K. Murali. The complainant is required to provide evidence supporting the complaint. Murali’s complaint is reportedly based on court observations and complaints from survivors. The committee will have the authority to summon anyone for testimony.
The committee’s decision is generally expected to be unanimous. Dissenting members can record their disagreement, and the report, including any dissenting opinions, will be submitted to the Assembly for consideration. It remains to be seen what stance the Congress, which has already expelled Rahul Mamkootathil from the party, and its ally, the Muslim League, will adopt within the committee.