The Kerala High Court has issued notices to 20 BJP councillors of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, questioning the manner in which they took their oath of office and whether it complied with statutory requirements under municipal law.
A division bench observed that several councillors appeared to have deviated from the prescribed oath format by invoking the names of multiple gods and deities, instead of swearing “in the name of God” or making a solemn affirmation, as mandated under the Kerala Municipality Act. The court said the legality of the oaths would depend on its final decision in the case.
While declining to grant interim relief sought by the petitioner — which included restraining the councillors from attending council meetings or drawing honorarium — the bench made it clear that the issue raised serious questions about adherence to statutory procedure.
The case was filed by CPI(M) leader and Thiruvananthapuram Corporation councillor S.P. Deepak, who argued that the oath-taking by BJP members violated the law and rendered their assumption of office invalid. The petition sought cancellation of the oaths, citing deviations such as invoking religious figures, using Sanskrit, and calling upon sacrificial witnesses.
According to the petition, BJP councillor Jaya Rajeev, elected from Kadakampally ward, took the oath in the name of Lord Ayyappa, while Karamana ward councillor Karamana Ajith reportedly delivered his oath in Sanskrit. Former state police chief and BJP councillor R. Sreelakha, elected from Sasthamangalam, drew public attention after leaving the dais chanting “Vande Mataram” following her oath.
The petition also pointed to events after the ceremony, alleging that BJP workers sang the RSS Gana Geetham inside the Corporation Council Hall, raising concerns over decorum during official proceedings.
Issuing notices to the councillors named in the plea, including G.S. Ashanath, Chembazhathi Udayan, and R. Sugathan, the High Court directed them to respond to the allegations. The matter will be heard further after the replies are filed.
