Kerala High Court grants anticipatory bail to judge in minor son car crash case

Court Decision

The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued anticipatory bail to an Additional Judge whose underage son allegedly drove a luxury car into the back of a scooter in Kochi. The October 25 collision in Cheranalloor caused the death of a 55-year-old man. Authorities had previously filed a case against the judge because he is the registered owner of the vehicle.

Investigation Details

Justice Kauser Edappagath noted that the judge spent six hours being questioned by police and has fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation throughout. The judge's lawyer told the court that the minor took the automobile without his father knowing about it. A week prior, the High Court provided temporary protection from arrest while stating that courts must follow the law strictly instead of giving in to public pressure. The bench also pointed out that a sitting judicial officer has no reason to run away from the legal process.

Context

Anticipatory bail is a legal provision that lets a person ask for protection from arrest before police take them into custody for a suspected crime. Courts review whether an accused person is likely to flee or interfere with evidence before deciding to grant such relief.