Senior Janata Dal (United) leader Anant Kumar Singh was sworn in as a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Tuesday while remaining in judicial custody, following his victory in the Mokama Assembly constituency in the November 2025 elections.
Singh, who is lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna in connection with murder and other criminal cases, was brought to the Bihar Assembly in an ambulance under heavy security arrangements for the oath-taking ceremony during the ongoing budget session.
Oath-Taking During Assembly Session
The oath was administered inside the Assembly premises in accordance with constitutional procedure. Visuals from the session showed Anant Singh taking blessings from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar before assuming office.
The Assembly Secretariat confirmed that all legal and procedural requirements were followed while facilitating the oath-taking.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: JD(U) MLA from Mokama, Anant Singh, took oath as MLA in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha assembly.
— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026
Before taking the oath, he touched Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's feet and took his blessings.
(Source: Bihar Assembly) pic.twitter.com/zfglkhIBsY
Election Victory from Jail
Despite being incarcerated at the time of the election, Anant Singh won the Mokama seat by a margin of 28,206 votes. This marks his sixth term as a legislator from the constituency.
Election officials stated that there is no legal bar on a candidate contesting and winning an election while in custody, provided there is no conviction that attracts disqualification under law.
Background and Legal Status
Anant Singh, a former army personnel, has been a prominent political figure in Bihar for decades. He faces more than two dozen criminal cases, including serious charges, many of which are still under trial.
His supporters often describe him as a local strongman who commands loyalty in Mokama, while critics point to his criminal cases as an example of the continuing criminalisation of politics.
Political and Public Reactions
The oath-taking has triggered renewed debate on social media and among political observers regarding the ethical and legal dimensions of elected representatives holding office while facing serious criminal charges.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have called for stricter disqualification norms, while others argue that the presumption of innocence applies until conviction.
Constitutional Position
Under current law, a legislator is disqualified only upon conviction and sentencing beyond the thresholds specified in the Representation of the People Act. Until such a conviction occurs, elected representatives retain their mandate.
Legal experts note that this case underscores the tension between democratic choice and institutional ethics.
Current Status
After taking the oath, Anant Singh was escorted back to Beur Central Jail. His participation in Assembly proceedings will depend on court permissions and administrative arrangements.
The case remains under judicial consideration.
