BackPOLITICS
D.N. Jeevaraj sworn in as MLA after recount; High Court stays FIR investigation
D.N. Jeevaraj was sworn in as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly following a recount of postal ballots. The sequence of events included a BJP petition to the Governor, a High Court stay on an FIR, and remarks on oath timing by the Speaker before the oath ceremony.
Why It Matters
The oath follows a contentious recount of postal ballots and a legal challenge that has raised questions about the election process and potential interference. It underscores ongoing political and legal contestation in Karnataka.
Timeline
5 Events
Oath administered to D.N. Jeevaraj as MLA
May 6, 2026
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader administered the oath to D.N. Jeevaraj as a member of the Legislative Assembly. The ceremony occurred in Bengaluru after Khader had earlier remarked on oath timing; attendees included Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, S. Muniraju, and Jeevaraj supporters.
Khader says he is not intentionally delaying oath in Mangaluru
May 6, 2026
In Mangaluru, Speaker U.T. Khader said that he was not intentionally delaying the oath for Jeevaraj, adding that the circumstances of the election required studying the legislative procedure, legal aspects, and technical issues related to oath administration.
Speaker writes to Governor about fixing oath date
May 5, 2026
Speaker U.T. Khader wrote to the Governor stating that he would fix a date to administer the oath to Jeevaraj along with two other Congress MLAs elected in bypolls from Davangere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies.
High Court stays FIR investigation; next hearing May 7
May 5, 2026
The Karnataka High Court stayed the investigation into the FIR filed against D.N. Jeevaraj for allegedly tampering with postal ballot papers; the next hearing was adjourned to May 7, and the Congress said it would continue the legal fight.
BJP petitions Governor to direct oath for Jeevaraj
May 5, 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) petitioned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to direct Speaker U.T. Khader to administer the oath to D.N. Jeevaraj as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, in the context of a recount of postal ballots polled in 2023.