Overview
- The City Corporation approved a six‑month leave for councillor R. Sugathan on Friday, July 31, avoiding his automatic disqualification after absences while he is detained under the Kerala Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act.
- The motion passed 51–50 in the 101‑member council after support from an independent councillor and Mayor V. V. Rajesh used his casting vote to break the tie.
- A Home Department letter dated July 20 — which rejected escort parole but told Sugathan to submit a leave application through the jail superintendent so the council could vote to keep his seat — was read out by the Mayor and used to justify the move.
- Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has expressed displeasure and ordered an inquiry into how the politically sensitive letter was issued without his office’s clearance while the LDF and UDF have signalled court petitions and complaints to electoral authorities.
- The episode highlights how Kerala’s Municipality Act rule on disqualification for three consecutive absences, narrow council arithmetic and departmental procedures can be used to shape local representation and may now face legal and institutional review.