India, June 25 -- The Kerala High Court's recent ruling on oaths is about the accountability of elected representatives to the law they are sworn to uphold. By directing councillors to retake their oaths in the manner prescribed by statute - either "in the name of God" or through a solemn affirmation - the court has reinforced a fundamental democratic principle that seems all but forgotten. An elected representative is bound by constitutional and legal obligations, not personal, political, or ideological preferences.

An oath-taking ceremony is the expression of a commitment to serve citizens faithfully, respect the Constitution, and exercise authority within the ambit of the law. The high court rightly observed that elected representativ...