Kochi Judge Faces Charges After Son's Fatal Accident on October 25
An additional sessions judge in Kochi is facing legal action after his son allegedly caused a fatal accident involving a scooter rider.
The judge is charged under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The accident resulted in the death of a 55-year-old man identified as Jayabalakrishnan.
The judge's son, aged 17, was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
On October 25, a tragic accident in Kochu's Cheranalloor led to the death of a scooter rider, prompting the Kochi City Police to file charges against an additional sessions judge. The judge, who serves in Iranjalakuda, is implicated as the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the incident, which was driven by his 17-year-old son.
The accident occurred around 2:20 AM when the victim, Jayabalakrishnan, was returning home after closing his roadside eatery. Reports indicate that the vehicle driven by the minor struck the scooter near a Ford showroom on Container Road. Following the incident, the police initially registered the case under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash driving and causing death by negligence, later adding charges related to culpable homicide.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, specifically Section 199A, the guardian or vehicle owner is presumed responsible when a minor commits a motor vehicle offence. This legal framework has led to the judge's arraignment as an accused in the case. The police have stated that they are following Supreme Court guidelines applicable to judicial officers facing criminal charges, ensuring that both the District Judiciary and the Kerala High Court are informed of the proceedings.
The incident has sparked significant public outcry, with the victim's family and various political and youth organizations calling for accountability. The community's demand for justice has intensified, emphasizing the need for responsible action in such cases involving minors and their guardians.
In a related development, the Juvenile Justice Board in Ernakulam granted bail to the judge's son on Monday, allowing him to return home while the legal proceedings continue. This case highlights the complexities of legal responsibility in accidents involving minors and raises questions about accountability among guardians in such situations.
