Thiruvananthapuram: In a first for Kerala's local self-government system, jailed BJP leader R. Sugathan was sworn in as a councillor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation inside Viyyur Central Prison on Tuesday after the Kerala High Court granted permission for the oath-taking ceremony to be held in jail.
The ceremony took place at around 11 a.m. in the prison's library hall and lasted less than three minutes. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V.V. Rajesh administered the oath, while the Corporation Secretary and the Superintendent of Viyyur Central Prison were present during the proceedings.
The Corporation Secretary formally initiated the ceremony before inviting the Mayor to administer the oath. Sugathan took the prescribed oath in the name of God and signed the required documents, officially assuming office as a councillor.
Sugathan is currently lodged in Viyyur Central Prison under proceedings initiated against him under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
He had approached the Kerala High Court seeking permission to take the statutory oath from prison, arguing that failure to do so within the stipulated period would result in the loss of his elected office. The High Court allowed the request and directed that the swearing-in be conducted in accordance with the law under the supervision of the competent authorities.
The oath-taking is believed to be the first instance in Kerala of an elected local body representative being sworn into office from inside a prison. The development also reaffirmed the legal position that an elected representative, unless disqualified under law, retains the right to assume office after being duly elected.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Mayor Rajesh said the oath was administered in compliance with the High Court's order. He noted that Sugathan had already secured bail in two cases pending before a court in Nedumangadu and that the remaining matter related to the KAAPA proceedings.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, Rajesh said the BJP would continue to perform its responsibilities, adding that Sugathan's ward was being looked after and that no development work in the constituency had been affected.
CPI(M) councillor S.P. Deepak criticised the development, alleging that it had brought disrepute to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and holding the BJP leadership responsible.
He said the CPI(M) would continue its protest and pointed out that Sugathan had already missed two consecutive council meetings. According to Deepak, if the councillor remains absent for a third successive meeting, he could lose his seat, alleging that the Mayor was delaying the next council meeting.
With IANS inputs