Kerala will witness a unique event as BJP councillor R. Sugathan is set to take office inside Viyyur Central Jail following the Kerala High Court’s approval for the ceremony within the prison premises. The oath ceremony, scheduled at 11 a.m. in the jail’s office chamber, will be a first in the state where an elected local representative assumes office from prison. Sugathan, elected from the Vazhottukonam ward, is currently in custody under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act due to multiple criminal cases.
The councillor secured bail in two cases earlier this month but remains in custody under a preventive detention order. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh will also attend the swearing-in ceremony after legal hurdles were cleared by the High Court’s order and Prison Department approval, ensuring Sugathan’s constitutional rights are upheld. The High Court recently disqualified 20 councillors for oath violations, with 19 complying, while Sugathan, in custody, will retake the oath before the July 24 deadline.
Rajesh affirmed the Corporation’s compliance with the court’s order, stating that Sugathan’s oath retaking will occur in the jail’s office room. The Mayor mentioned the possibility of a Corporation Council meeting this month but decisions are pending. Regarding the challenge to the detention order, Rajesh noted that the BJP and Sugathan will decide on the legal course. UDF Parliamentary Party leader Sabarinadhan welcomed the High Court’s decision for the ceremony inside the prison, emphasizing the importance of constitutional rights despite legal issues.
