Family of Kochi Crash Victim to Approach Supreme Court After High Court Grants Bail to Judge

Court Decision

The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a Kochi judge whose minor son was allegedly driving a Mercedes-Benz that crashed into a scooter and killed a 55-year-old street food vendor named Jaibalakrishnan. Justice Kauser Edappagath issued the order after noting that police had already questioned the judicial officer for four hours and that he would cooperate with the ongoing probe.

Family Reaction

Bhadra Keerthi, the daughter of the victim, strongly criticized the verdict, stating that it felt like a stab in her chest and came just a day before her father's funeral rites. The family has decided to move the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court's decision. Meanwhile, a special court in Ernakulam is set to hear a plea to cancel the bail previously granted to the 17-year-old driver by the Juvenile Justice Board.

Investigation and Penalties

The judge, who serves at a Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, faces a case under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act for allowing a minor to use the vehicle, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of 25,000 rupees. The state government admitted to police lapses in handling the case, resulting in the suspension of four police personnel from the Cheranalloor police station and the transfer of Kochi City police commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar.

Context

Motor vehicle laws in India hold vehicle owners and parents legally responsible when minors are caught driving and causing accidents. High-profile cases involving juveniles often spark intense public debate regarding accountability, police investigations, and the implementation of traffic safety regulations.