Kerala HC issues notice to BJP councilors who took oath in the names of multiple deities

The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued notices to 20 BJP councillors of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation who took oath in the names of multiple deities instead of in the name of God as prescribed under municipal rules.

Considering a petition filed by CPM leader and counselor SP Deepak, seeking to cancel the oaths taken by the BJP councilors, a division bench of the court asked as to how an oath could be taken in the names of several gods when the statutory format requires councillors to swear in the name of God or make a solemn affirmation.

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Deepak, in his petition, sought cancellation of the oaths, arguing that swearing-in in the names of multiple gods and deities rendered the oath legally invalid.

Though the petitioner’s counsel sought an interim order prohibiting these councilors from attending council meetings and receiving honorarium until the final verdict, the court declined to pass such an order. However, it said the validity of the oath would be subject to its final verdict in the case.