Kerala High Court Stays Judge’s Arrest in Cheranalloor Accident Case

The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed the arrest of an Additional District Judge in connection with the Cheranalloor accident case, in which his 17-year-old son was allegedly driving a Mercedes-Benz that hit a scooter and killed a 55-year-old man.

Justice Kauser Edappagath passed the interim direction while considering the judicial officer’s anticipatory bail plea. The court questioned the immediate need for his arrest and directed him to continue cooperating with investigators.

Court Questions Need for Arrest

During the hearing, the High Court noted that the judge had already appeared before investigators for questioning.

The court asked why custodial arrest was necessary when the judicial officer was cooperating with the investigation, while making it clear that the Crime Branch could continue questioning him in accordance with due procedure.

The detailed arguments on his anticipatory bail application are expected to continue.

Judge Directed to Cooperate With Investigation

The High Court directed the judicial officer to appear before the investigating team whenever required and extend full cooperation with the ongoing probe.

The judge has maintained in his bail plea that his son took the vehicle without his knowledge or permission while he was asleep and that mere ownership of the car should not, by itself, establish criminal liability.

17-Year-Old Son Allegedly Drove Mercedes

The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of October 25 on Container Road in Cheranalloor, Kochi.

Police allege that the judge’s 17-year-old son was driving the Mercedes-Benz when it struck a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, who was returning home after closing his food stall. He died in the collision.

The judicial officer, who is the registered owner of the vehicle, was subsequently added as an accused in the case.

High Court Had Earlier Allowed Probe Against Judge

Earlier this week, the Kerala High Court permitted police to register a case against the judge and proceed with the investigation.

The court also indicated that if arrest became necessary, authorities would have to follow the safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court for arresting members of the subordinate judiciary.

Court Says Decisions Cannot Be Driven by Public Pressure

During the anticipatory bail proceedings, the High Court stressed that judicial decisions must be based on law and evidence rather than public perception or external pressure.

The Cheranalloor accident case has attracted significant public attention, but the investigation remains ongoing and the allegations against the judicial officer have not yet been finally adjudicated.