Did Kerala HC Notice 20 BJP Councillors for Oath Taken in Multiple Deities' Names?
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Synopsis
The Kerala High Court has raised concerns over the oath-taking process of 20 BJP councillors from Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, highlighting that they invoked multiple deities rather than adhering to the prescribed format. This could have legal implications for their positions. How will this affect the BJP's historic win in Kerala?
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala High Court scrutinizes oath-taking practices.
- 20 BJP councillors involved in the controversy.
- Oaths taken in names of multiple deities raise legal concerns.
- CPI-M leader S.P. Deepak filed the petition.
- Potential legal repercussions for the councillors.
Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has issued notices to 20 BJP councillors from the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation regarding the method by which they swore their oaths of office. The court noted that the oaths seemed to have been taken in the names of various deities rather than in the name of God, as mandated by municipal regulations.
In December, the BJP made history by winning a Corporation in Kerala for the first time.
A division bench questioned how an oath could be taken invoking multiple deities when the official format requires councillors to swear “in the name of God” or to make a solemn affirmation.
Condemning this deviation, the court stated that the oath's validity would depend on its final ruling regarding the matter.
Nevertheless, the court declined to grant the interim relief requested by the petitioner to prevent the councillors from participating in council meetings or receiving their honorarium until the case is resolved.
The case arose from a petition filed by CPI-M leader and councillor S.P. Deepak, who argued that the BJP councillors' oath-taking was in violation of the Kerala Municipality Act and the prescribed format.
The petitioner sought to annul the oaths, claiming that swearing in the names of multiple deities and invoking sacrificial witnesses rendered the oaths legally invalid.
Specific examples during the oath-taking ceremony were cited, including BJP councillor Jaya Rajeev, who was elected from the Kadakampally ward and took the oath in the name of Lord Ayyappa.
Another BJP councillor, Karamana Ajith, who won from the Karamana ward, took the oath in Sanskrit.
BJP councillor and former state police chief R. Sreelakha, elected from the Sasthamangalam ward, reportedly left the dais after taking the oath while chanting “Vande Mataram”, a gesture that drew significant public attention.
Post the oath-taking ceremony, BJP workers sang the RSS Gana Geetham inside the Corporation Council Hall, which raised further questions regarding the adherence to decorum during official proceedings.
The High Court has issued notices to the councillors named in the petition, including G.S. Ashanath, Chembazhathi Udayan, and R. Sugathan, seeking their responses on the alleged violations.
The matter is set for further hearing once the respondents submit their replies.
Point of View
This situation underscores the complexities of political practices intertwined with religious sentiments in India. The Kerala High Court's scrutiny could set a precedent regarding the adherence to legal frameworks in oath-taking processes, reinforcing the need for strict compliance with established rules across all political entities.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the Kerala HC's notice to the BJP councillors?
The notice was triggered by concerns that the councillors took their oaths in the names of multiple deities instead of in the name of God, as required by municipal rules.
Who filed the petition against the councillors?
The petition was filed by CPI-M leader and councillor S.P. Deepak.
What are the legal implications of the oath taken by the councillors?
The High Court's ruling on the validity of the oaths could have significant legal implications for the councillors, potentially affecting their positions.
What actions did the court take regarding the councillors?
The court issued notices to the councillors to respond to the allegations but declined to grant interim relief to prevent them from participating in council activities.
How has this situation impacted public perception?
The incident has raised questions about the adherence to decorum and legality in official proceedings, sparking public interest and debate.
