BJP Councillor to Take Oath Inside Kerala Jail

Jul 13, 2026

57 min

Jul 13, 2026 12:30

In a first, BJP councillor to take oath from inside Kerala jail

## Historic Swearing-In Ceremony

In an unprecedented event in Kerala, BJP councillor R. Sugathan will take his oath of office from inside Viyyur Central Jail. This follows a Kerala High Court decision allowing the ceremony to occur within the prison premises.

## Legal Context

Sugathan, elected from the Vazhottukonam ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, is detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). Despite securing bail in two criminal cases, a preventive detention order keeps him in custody.

## Court's Decision

The High Court's ruling ensures Sugathan's constitutional right to assume office, despite his incarceration. This decision comes after the court disqualified 20 councillors for oath violations, mandating a retake within four weeks.

## Political Reactions

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, a senior BJP leader, will attend the ceremony. He emphasized compliance with the court's directive. Meanwhile, UDF leader K.S. Sabarinadhan noted that the court's decision does not validate Sugathan's legal standing, highlighting the separation of the swearing-in from future legal proceedings regarding his eligibility.

## Implications

This event underscores the complex interplay between electoral rights and legal constraints, marking a significant moment in Kerala's political landscape.

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