In a historic first for Kerala’s local self-governance, an elected representative has taken the oath of office from inside a prison. R. Sugathan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor representing the Vazhottukonam ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, officially assumed office inside the Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in the library hall of the Viyyur Central Jail. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh administered the oath of office to Sugathan, who solemnly swore in the name of God.
High Court Intervenes to Protect Democratic Mandate The unusual arrangement followed a crucial directive from the Kerala High Court. Earlier, the High Court had invalidated the initial oaths taken by 20 BJP councillors—including Sugathan—ruling that invoking the names of local deities and social reformers instead of the legally prescribed format violated the Kerala Municipality Act.
While the other 19 councillors subsequently retook their oaths in compliance with the court’s order, Sugathan could not attend as he was placed under a six-month preventive detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
Faced with a strict deadline to complete the swearing-in, Sugathan moved the High Court seeking temporary release. While the State opposed his release due to the gravity of the KAAPA provisions, the Director General of Prosecution stated the government was ready to facilitate the ceremony inside the prison if ordered.
Upholding the sanctity of the democratic process, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan ruled that the people’s mandate should not be defeated by technical or procedural hurdles. The court subsequently directed the Viyyur jail authorities to make all necessary arrangements for the ceremony.
Strict Supervision and Attendance The ceremony was executed under tight security guidelines. The High Court permitted only Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, a minimal number of necessary corporation officials, and accredited media personnel to enter the prison premises for the event.
