Kochi, Feb. 12 -- The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the first of three alleged sexual assault cases filed against him, effectively securing his protection from arrest in all the current cases.

While granting relief, the High Court observed that the allegations, at this stage, did not prima facie establish a case of rape. However, the court imposed stringent conditions on the expelled Congress MLA.

As part of the bail conditions, Mamkootathil has been barred from leaving Kerala and directed to surrender his passport and mobile phone to the investigators. The court has also strictly prohibited him from contacting the complainant or attempting to influence any witnesses.

On J...