The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to an Additional District and Sessions Judge in connection with a fatal Mercedes-Benz accident in Kochi, after police named him as an accused in the case involving his 17-year-old son.
Justice Kauser Edappagath allowed the judge’s anticipatory bail plea on Thursday. The court’s detailed order is awaited. The judge had approached the High Court after police included him as an accused in the investigation into the accident.
The case relates to a crash in the early hours of October 25 on Container Road at Marapparambu. Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a resident of South Chittoor in Cheranalloor, was hit by a speeding Mercedes-Benz, according to the report. He died in the incident.
The Mercedes-Benz was registered in the judge’s name and was allegedly being driven by his minor son when the accident occurred. The circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s use and the fatal collision remain part of the police investigation.
The High Court had issued interim protection to the judge on October 29, directing the police not to arrest him at that stage. The court also required him to cooperate with the investigation into the accident.
The latest order grants anticipatory bail, which protects the judge from arrest subject to the conditions imposed by the court. The available report does not provide the full terms of the order or indicate any final finding on responsibility for the crash.
The case places attention on the investigation of fatal road crashes when questions arise over vehicle ownership, the identity of the driver and the involvement of a minor. Those issues will be addressed through the police inquiry and subsequent legal proceedings. Further details are expected once the High Court releases its detailed order.
