In compliance with a Kerala High Court directive, 19 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillors of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation retook their oath of office on Wednesday. The move came after the High Court found procedural irregularities in the original swearing-in ceremony held earlier this month.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began on March 8, when the newly elected councillors were administered the oath by Mayor K. Sreekumar. However, the BJP councillors alleged that the oath was not read out correctly and that they were not given the option to swear in the name of God, as per their religious preference. The party approached the Kerala High Court, which on March 10 ruled that the oath-taking process was flawed and ordered a fresh swearing-in for the 19 councillors.
The High Court observed that the mayor had not followed the prescribed format under the Kerala Municipality Act, which allows councillors to choose between swearing in the name of God or making a solemn affirmation. The court directed that the oath be administered again by the District Collector or a designated officer.
The Fresh Oath-Taking Ceremony
On Wednesday, the 19 BJP councillors took the oath before District Collector K. Vasuki at the Corporation Hall. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of senior BJP leaders and party workers. The councillors expressed satisfaction with the process, stating that their religious sentiments were respected.
“We are happy that the High Court upheld our demand for a proper oath. Our faith has been respected, and we can now focus on our duties as councillors,” said BJP councillor S. Suresh.
Political Reactions
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) criticized the BJP for creating unnecessary controversy. LDF convenor E. P. Jayarajan said, “The BJP is trying to politicize even a simple administrative process. The mayor followed the standard procedure, but the BJP chose to twist it for political gain.”
Meanwhile, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) supported the High Court’s decision, stating that the law must be followed strictly. “The court has rightly pointed out the procedural lapse. The mayor should have been more careful,” said UDF leader M. M. Hassan.
Impact on Corporation Functioning
The controversy had delayed the formation of standing committees and other administrative processes in the corporation. With the fresh oath-taking, the councillors can now participate fully in the corporation’s activities. The next step is the election of the Deputy Mayor, which is scheduled for next week.
The BJP has 19 seats in the 100-member corporation, while the LDF holds 51 and the UDF has 30. The BJP’s support is crucial for the LDF to pass resolutions, as the LDF lacks a majority on its own.
Legal Precedent
Legal experts note that the High Court’s order sets a precedent for oath-taking procedures in local bodies across Kerala. The court emphasized that the option to swear in the name of God or make an affirmation must be explicitly offered to every councillor. Failure to do so could invalidate the oath, as seen in this case.
“This judgment reinforces the importance of adhering to statutory provisions. It ensures that the religious freedom of elected representatives is protected,” said constitutional law expert Dr. K. K. Suresh.
