Kerala HC Invalidates Oaths Taken In Names Other Than 'God'

Summary

The Kerala High Court has ruled that oaths taken by elected local body representatives in names other than God are invalid, stating that they must be taken strictly in the manner prescribed by law. The court has directed affected councillors and a panchayat member to take a fresh oath within four weeks, and has declined to impose penalties, noting that they acted under a bona fide belief that their form of oath was legally valid. The elections of these representatives remain valid, despite the defective oath-taking ceremony, and their actions taken so far will remain protected under the relevant laws.