Constitutional Violation

#Constitutional #Violation

When elected Panchayat/Municipal/Corporation ward members take oath, it is valid only in the manner prescribed by the Constitution. Article 243O (Panchayat) and 243U (Municipality) of the Constitution of India along with the related laws make it clear that the oath should be taken in the name of God or a solemn oath should be taken. 

Instead, taking oath in the name of religious and superstitious rituals or personal beliefs like Arukola, Chathan, Parampil Amma, Punyalan is an act that violates the spirit and provisions of the Constitution. 

This also challenges the principle of secularism in Articles 25-28 that constitutional positions should function on a scientific and secular basis.

Therefore, it is imperative to cancel the membership of those who have entered office without following the oath-taking methods prescribed by the Constitution and keep them away from administrative proceedings. 

The State Election Commission should urgently intervene in this matter and take a clear decision. To prevent such constitutional violations from recurring, strict warnings and punitive measures should be ensured by citing the relevant legal departments. The only way to protect the democratic system is to send a strong message that there is no tolerance for disregard for the Constitution.

- K. A. Solaman