Kerala HC denies anticipatory bail to expelled INC councillor Prashob MA from Palakkad in Dalit woman rape case, details
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On Tuesday, 26th May, the Kerala High Court refused to grant anticipatory bail to expelled Congress municipal councillor Prashob MA from Palakkad in a rape case.
The case concerns allegations that he sexually exploited a Dalit woman by promising her a job and lifelong support. The incident came to light in March 2026 when the woman exclusively disclosed all the details against the accused.
He has been charged under rape-related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Earlier, a Special SC/ST Court had rejected his anticipatory bail plea on April 27, 2026, observing that a prima facie case existed against him. Upholding that decision, Justice A Badharudeen of the Kerala High Court dismissed Prashob MA’s appeal on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
According to the police case registered at the Palakkad Town South Police Station in the month of March, 2026, Prashob maintained a relationship with the complainant for over one and a half years despite being married. During this period, he is accused of repeatedly engaging in sexual relations with her on the false assurance of employment and continued support.
The complaint further alleged that the woman became pregnant during the relationship and that Prashob later threatened and abused her after the relationship became public.
He has been booked for offences including rape, sexual exploitation on false promise, and criminal intimidation under the BNS, along with provisions of the SC/ST Act.
After the trial court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in April, Prashob approached the High Court seeking relief. His counsel argued that the relationship was consensual and that the allegations did not attract provisions of the SC/ST Act.
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The complainant's counsel opposed the grant of any relief to the expelled councillor. The complainant said that she met
Prashob after Prashob's father, who ran a tea shop, misbehaved with her. Prashob convinced her not to file a complaint and thereafter maintained constant contact with her, promising her a good job and luring her into a sexual relationship, she added.
The defence also contended that the Special Court had not made a prima facie finding of rape and had relied mainly on the applicability of the SC/ST Act while denying bail.