Oath taken by MLAs, MPs in the name of Allah valid: SC

New Delhi, Nov 16 (UNI) The Supreme Court today ruled that there is nothing wrong in elected representatives of the people, including MLAs and MPs, taking oath in the name of Allah.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran dismissed a petition challenging the constitutional validity of oath taken by the 13 Kerala MLAs in the name of Allah.

Counsel for the petitioner had earlier contended that the Constitution does not permit taking oath in the name of 'Allah', as only the word 'God' has been used in it.

Hence, oath can be administered or taken only in the name of God.

The court wanted to know from the petitioner, Madhu Parumala, ''What about those who are illiterate and do not know English and what was wrong with an elected MLA or MP taking oath in the name of Allah.'' The petitioners had come in appeal against the Kerala High Court order dismissing their writ petition against MLAs taking oath in the name of Allah.

UNI