The Additional District Judge was booked by the Kochi City Police on Oct. 26 after his 17‑year‑old son allegedly drove a Mercedes‑Benz that struck and killed a scooter rider in Cheranalloor. The vehicle’s registration was in the judge’s name, and the accident occurred at around 2.20 a.m. on Sunday, Maraparambu on Container Road.
The victim, Jayabalakrishnan, 55, ran an eatery near the Sree Krishnaswamy temple. He was returning home after closing his shop when the car, purportedly driven by the teenager, collided with his scooter, causing fatal injuries on the spot.
Police charged the minor under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, later adding Section 105 for culpable homicide after public pressure. The juvenile was released on bail under the Juvenile Justice Act, but the case was reopened following protests demanding stricter action.
Under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, a guardian or vehicle owner is liable for a minor’s offense. Supreme Court guidelines now require that a judicial officer’s visit to a police station be authorized; the judge’s visit post‑incident was noted as a possible breach.
The Kerala High Court’s Chief Judicial Magistrate in Thrissur has advised an immediate suspension of the judge, and the recommendation will be forwarded to the Administrative Committee for final decision. Meanwhile, the investigation has been transferred to the District Crime Branch, and the Motor Vehicles Department is poised to consider a 12‑month cancellation of the vehicle’s registration.
The case now hinges on the High Court committee’s deliberation, which is expected to conclude within the next fortnight, after which the judge will either be reinstated or formally removed from office.