Tamil Nadu Minister-designate S Keerthana was unable to take oath as an MLA in the State Assembly after she failed to produce her Certificate of Election, a mandatory document required for the swearing-in ceremony, officials confirmed on Monday. The incident briefly interrupted the proceedings during the oath-taking session.

Keerthana approached the podium after being called by Principal Secretary K Srinivasan. However, she was stopped when asked to submit her election certificate, which all newly elected MLAs are required to present before taking oath.

The moment, captured during the live Assembly broadcast, showed the senior official raising his hand to halt the process as she reached the podium.

Officials clarified that the delay occurred purely due to a procedural lapse. Keerthana reportedly did not have her Certificate of Election with her at the time of the ceremony.

A senior official told PTI that she was politely informed she could not proceed without submitting the document.

“It seems she did not have her certificate of election with her readily. Since she could not submit the certificate, the senior official politely declined to allow her to take oath. She may take oath whenever she submits her certificate of election,” the official said.

Authorities also pointed out that all MLAs had been clearly instructed in advance to carry their election certificates without exception.

What are the Assembly rules for taking oath as MLA?

As per established procedure, elected representatives must first submit their Certificate of Election before being administered the oath. Once verified, they are formally called to swear in before the Pro Tem Speaker.

Officials noted that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and other MLAs followed the required process and submitted their documents prior to taking oath.

Keerthana was the last minister among nine cabinet members ranked in the state government who were called for the ceremony.

Who is S Keerthana and what was her election result?

S Keerthana was elected from the Sivakasi Assembly constituency, where she defeated Congress candidate Ashokan G by a margin of 11,670 votes. She also secured a significant win over former minister and AIADMK leader KT Rajenthrabhalaji, who finished third in the contest.

Officials confirmed that there is no procedural setback beyond the missing document. Keerthana will be allowed to take oath once she submits her Certificate of Election to the Assembly authorities