Kerala BJP Councillor Takes Oath From Jail in State First

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation BJP councillor R. Sugathan, who is currently in prison under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), took his oath of office at Viyyur Central Jail. The oath-taking ceremony was held at around 11 a.m. in the office of the jail superintendent. Sugathan, who has been externed under the KAAPA since June 9, is currently lodged in Viyyur Central Jail.

This is the first time in Kerala's political history that an elected representative has taken the oath of office from inside a prison. Sugathan, the councillor from Ward 20, was among those whose earlier oath was declared invalid by the High Court for taking it in the names of multiple deities, which was found to be contrary to the rules. The High Court had ruled that the oath must follow the statutory format and cannot be modified by invoking multiple deities. 

The ceremony was conducted with the permission of the Kerala High Court. Mayor V.V. Rajesh administered the oath to Sugathan.

The High Court had observed a day earlier that it is the duty of the court to protect democracy. The court said that in a democracy, the people's mandate must be respected. It also observed that extraordinary decisions can be taken in extraordinary circumstances, adding that such a decision was taken to uphold the people's verdict.