Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 3 (PTI) – Kerala Women’s Commission Chairperson P Sathidevi stated on Monday that there is no legal impediment preventing actor-turned-politician M Mukesh, who has been named an accused in a rape case, from continuing as an MLA. However, she noted that it was up to Mukesh to decide whether to step down on moral grounds.
Addressing reporters, Sathidevi emphasized that ethical considerations vary from person to person, and the decision ultimately rests with the legislator from Kollam.
“There are specific legal provisions under which a public representative is required to resign. If an MLA is sentenced to more than two years in prison by a court, they must step down. Until then, the legal process should take its course,” she said. She further remarked that Mukesh could make a decision after the court delivers its verdict.
Senior CPI(M) leader P K Sreemathi also commented on the matter, asserting that the state government does not follow a policy of shielding wrongdoers. She reaffirmed that the Left government stands by victims and will not protect anyone found guilty.
These statements come a day after the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala confirmed that Mukesh would continue serving as an MLA despite the charges against him. Responding to media reports that a chargesheet had been filed against Mukesh, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan stated that the legislator would remain in office, with further decisions to be made after the court’s ruling.
The rape case against Mukesh was registered on August 28, 2024, following allegations from a female actor that he sexually assaulted her in 2010. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) recently submitted a chargesheet against him in the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, according to police sources.
The SIT had formally arrested Mukesh but later released him on anticipatory bail. The accused actor-turned-politician has denied the charges, claiming they were motivated by an alleged blackmail attempt by the complainant.
The case is part of a broader wave of allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, with multiple FIRs registered against directors and actors following revelations from the Justice K Hema Committee report on sexual harassment in the industry.
Last updated by a enewsx: