A major development has emerged in the Kochi Mercedes hit-and-run case, in which a 55-year-old scooter rider lost his life. The Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to an Additional District Judge whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove the Mercedes-Benz involved in the fatal accident.
The order was passed on October 29, 2026, while hearing the judge’s anticipatory bail plea. The court directed the police not to arrest the judicial officer until further orders. However, the judge has been asked to appear before the investigating officer for questioning and cooperate with the investigation.
What Happened in the Kochi Accident?
The accident took place in the early hours of October 25 in the Cheranalloor area of Kochi, Kerala. According to police reports, a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the judge’s minor son hit a scooter from behind, killing the rider, identified as Jayabalakrishnan.
The victim, who was reportedly 55 years old, was returning home after closing his roadside food business when the collision occurred. He died at the scene.
The incident triggered public outrage and raised questions about the handling of the case by the local police, particularly after the minor was initially granted bail.
Why Has the Judge Been Named in the Case?
The judge was named as an accused because the Mercedes-Benz was registered in his name. Police invoked provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act relating to offences committed by minors driving vehicles.
The judge has reportedly maintained that he was unaware that his son had taken the car. The allegations against him, including questions concerning his responsibility as the vehicle’s registered owner, remain subject to investigation.
What Did the Kerala High Court Say?
While considering the anticipatory bail plea, the High Court granted interim protection from arrest. The court also directed the judge to appear before the investigating officer and cooperate with the investigation in accordance with the applicable legal guidelines.
The protection is interim in nature and does not amount to a final decision on the allegations. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and the judge’s alleged role will continue.
Investigation and Police Action
The case has been transferred to the District Crime Branch for further investigation. Police have also examined evidence, including CCTV footage and other material relevant to the accident.
Four police personnel were suspended over alleged lapses in handling the case, according to reports. The developments followed criticism of the initial police response and demands from the victim’s family for accountability.
The Juvenile Justice Board had also granted bail to the 17-year-old accused. Police have indicated that they would pursue legal remedies concerning that decision.
Victim’s Family Seeks Justice
The case has drawn public attention, with the victim’s family demanding a fair and transparent investigation. The family has raised concerns about whether the law is being applied equally and has sought accountability from everyone found responsible.
The central questions now concern the circumstances of the crash, the evidence collected by investigators and the legal responsibility, if any, of the vehicle’s owner.
The Kerala High Court’s interim order provides temporary protection from arrest to the judge, but the investigation remains ongoing. Further developments will depend on the evidence, the investigating agency’s findings and subsequent court proceedings.
The case has once again brought road safety, juvenile driving and accountability in fatal road accidents into public focus. The final determination of responsibility will rest with the competent legal authorities.
