Judge and Son Face Legal Action After Fatal Accident in Kochi

The Juvenile Justice Board in Ernakulam has granted bail to a 17-year-old boy, the son of an Additional District Sessions Judge, in connection with a fatal accident that occurred in Kochi. This incident, which led to the death of a scooter rider, took place in the early hours of Sunday, October 25.

The vehicle involved in the crash, a Mercedes-Benz sedan, is registered in the judge’s name. Consequently, the judge himself has been booked under two sections of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act. Section 199A(1) holds the guardian or owner of a vehicle accountable for offences committed by a minor, while Section 199A(2) imposes potential criminal penalties, including a fine of Rs 25,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.

Initially allowed to leave custody under Section 8 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the minor was quickly taken back into custody following public outcry and protests from the victim’s family. It has been reported that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to examine the claims made by the victim’s relatives.

The deceased, 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, was struck by the judge’s son while riding his scooter home after closing his street food stall. This accident reportedly occurred around 2.30 am. According to police reports, the car impacted Jayabalakrishnan’s scooter from behind. Eyewitness reports suggest that the teenager attempted to leave the scene but the vehicle came to a halt shortly thereafter due to the severity of the incident.

An FIR was lodged under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, addressing charges of reckless driving that resulted in a fatality.

Family members of Jayabalakrishnan have voiced concerns that the influence of the judge's family may hinder a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. His niece, Jayalakshmi, expressed frustration during a media interaction, saying, "When I went to the police station, the SHO told me not to get emotional and that it was a 17-year-old who was involved. When I asked whether I could see him, they refused and also told me that he is the son of a district judge."

Jayalakshmi further alleged that the minor’s father responded harshly when questioned about allowing his underage son to drive. "I asked his father if he didn’t know that a 17-year-old cannot drive a vehicle. He replied arrogantly, 'Don’t you dare to question me, you are not in a position to do that,'" she detailed.

The family of Jayabalakrishnan has strongly contested the decision to grant bail, arguing that the case has been handled preferentially due to the accused's affluent background. His daughter stated, "The accused was granted bail even before my father’s body was released from the hospital. That is the greatest injustice that had been done to my father."

As the investigation proceeds, the local community is calling for accountability and justice following this tragic event.