Kerala HC allows KAAPA accused BJP councillor R. Sugathan to take oath in Viyyur jail

The Kerala High Court has issued an order allowing BJP councillor R. Sugathan to take his oath of office while currently held in Viyyur Central Jail. The ruling mandates that the District Collector or a designated official facilitate the ceremony within the prison premises to ensure the legal requirements for his position are met.

This legal intervention follows a previous High Court directive that ordered 20 BJP councillors to retake their oaths. The initial swearing-in ceremony was deemed invalid because the councillors had invoked the names of local deities rather than adhering to the constitutionally prescribed format.

While 19 other councillors successfully completed their re-swearing process, Sugathan was unable to participate due to his detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). The court's latest decision ensures he can fulfill the administrative mandate despite his current incarceration. Source: Kerala High Court proceedings.