Kerala HC invalidates oaths taken in names other than ‘God’ or solemn affirmation
The Kerala High Court ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oaths strictly as prescribed by law, specifically using only 'God' or a 'solemn affirmation'. The court invalidated oaths that included names of deities, political figures, or other additions.
Why it matters
This ruling reinforces the secular and procedural requirements for public office in India, emphasizing the importance of statutory compliance over personal expression.
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly in the manner prescribed by law, declaring invalid the oaths of several BJP councillors in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation who invoked names other than ‘God’ or chose expressions beyond a solemn affirmation .
The article provides a legal summary of a court judgment without editorializing on the political implications.
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