Kerala Judge Granted Anticipatory Bail Amid Fatal Mercedes Crash Involving His Minor Son

Summary

The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to an additional district judge whose 17‑year‑old son is accused of driving a Mercedes‑Benz that collided with a two‑wheeler in Kochi on 25 October, killing the rider.

Court Order

• The judge, posted at the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district, was granted interim protection from arrest.
• The court directed that the police not arrest the judge until further orders.
• He must appear before the investigating officer at 1 pm on the same day and, if required, at any subsequent time.
• Interrogation will follow Supreme Court guidelines.

Legal Representation

• Senior advocate P Vijaya Bhanu, representing the judge, noted that his client had already been interrogated by police for over four hours on Wednesday.
• The judge’s counsel questioned the necessity of further custodial questioning, citing the judge’s judicial status and cooperation.
• Counsel for the victim’s heirs opposed the bail, alleging evidence tampering.

Investigation Status

• The FIR was registered after the crash in Cheranalloor, Kochi.
• The judge claims he was unaware of the vehicle’s removal and learned of the accident via a phone call while asleep.
• He argues that Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita requires knowledge that the act is likely to cause death.

Administrative Response

• The High Court’s Administrative Committee met on 27 October and decided to await further material before taking action.
• The court has asked the prosecutor to provide the state’s response to the bail plea.

Practical Implications

• The bail allows the judge to continue his duties while the investigation proceeds.
• Victim’s family has petitioned the Chief Justice for an inquiry into the judge’s conduct.
• Verification can be done by checking the court order on the Kerala High Court website and reviewing the FIR details.

Conclusion

The case remains pending; the judge’s bail does not imply innocence but provides procedural protection while the investigation unfolds.