In a historic event for Kerala’s local self-government, BJP leader R. Sugathan, who is currently in jail, took the oath as a councillor for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation inside Viyyur Central Prison. The ceremony, conducted in the prison’s library hall, lasted less than three minutes. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V.V. Rajesh administered the oath, which Sugathan repeated.
The oath-taking ceremony, permitted by the Kerala High Court, was attended by the Corporation Secretary and the Superintendent of Viyyur Central Prison. Sugathan, facing charges under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, sought permission from the High Court to avoid losing his elected office due to not taking the oath within the stipulated period. The High Court granted permission for the ceremony, ensuring it was conducted in compliance with the law and under proper supervision.
This unprecedented event marks the first instance in Kerala of an elected local body representative being sworn in from inside a prison. Despite the legal proceedings against him, Sugathan now officially serves as a councillor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Mayor Rajesh confirmed Sugathan’s oath-taking as directed by the High Court, emphasizing that the opposition’s criticism does not hinder their responsibilities towards the constituency.
