The Kerala High Court on Tuesday granted interim relief to Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, directing that he should not be arrested until his anticipatory bail plea in a rape case is fully heard and disposed of.

The relief came even as hearings on his plea continued, with the court scheduling further proceedings for Wednesday.

Vedan, who has been accused of sexual assault by a woman doctor, has been absconding since the case surfaced.