Kochi : Kerala High Court on Thursday restrained police from arresting an additional district judge until further orders in connection with the Cheranelloor accident in which Jayabalakrishnan (55) was killed after a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the judicial officer’s minor son hit his scooter early Sunday. The interim order came on his anticipatory bail petition after police issued a fresh notice asking him to appear for questioning, following four hours of interrogation.
The judge, in his petition, contended that he had fully cooperated with the investigation and police had seized his laptop, mobile phone and other items after searching his residence. He also claimed that his minor son had taken the car without his knowledge while he was asleep.
The court allowed the impleading petition filed by the deceased’s wife and children and posted the case to Nov 5 for govt to provide instructions.
Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter, Bhadra Keerthi, later told the media that the family was disappointed with the HC’s decision but respected it. We will continue to fight,” she said. The prosecution and the deceased’s family opposed the petition, alleging that the judge and his wife had reached the accident site at night and remained there for more than an hour. Counsel for the victim’s family also alleged that key evidence, including the official board identifying the judge’s car, had been removed. “We will discuss the matter with our lawyer and decide on the next course of action. We intend to pursue the matter legally and will not take even a single step backwards.
It directed the judge to fully cooperate with the investigation and appear for interrogation at 1 pm on Thursday, as directed by police. Justice Kauser Edappagath observed that there was no scope for custodial interrogation While considering the petition. HC asked why police wanted to arrest the judge when he had made himself available for questioning, observing that he should be protected.