Kerala HC allows KAAPA accused BJP councillor R. Sugathan to take oath in Viyyur jail
The Kerala High Court has granted permission for a BJP councillor, currently under preventive detention, to take his oath of office inside Viyyur Central Prison. The councillor was previously unable to attend the ceremony due to his detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Act.
Why it matters
The case touches on the intersection of legal detention, political representation, and procedural requirements for elected officials.
The Kerala High Court on Monday (July 13, 2026) allowed R. Sugathan, councillor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation who is under six-month preventive detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), to take his oath of office inside the Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur on Tuesday (July 14, 2026.)
The oath is to be arranged by the Superintendent of Viyyur Central Prison and administered by the Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation at 11 a.m. The court also stated that accredited mediapersons should be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in