The victim's family plans to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, while a separate court has kept the 17-year-old's juvenile bail in place.
Kochi, Kerala - November 5, 2026
Anticipatory bail was granted on Thursday by Kerala's High Court to an additional district judge who faces charges linked to a fatal crash in Kochi. The judge's 17-year-old son is alleged to have been driving a Mercedes-Benz that struck a scooter in the early hours of October 25, killing a 55-year-old street vendor.
Key Facts
- Date: Crash in the early hours of October 25; first reported November 5, 2026
- Location: Cheranalloor, Kochi, Kerala
- Type of crash: Collision between a Mercedes-Benz and a scooter, described in reporting as a hit-and-run case
- Vehicles involved: Mercedes-Benz registered in the judge's name, and a scooter
- Injuries / fatalities: One fatality
- Responding agencies: Kerala High Court, Juvenile Justice Board, Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court
- Reported by: The Statesman
Crash Overview
According to The Statesman, a Mercedes-Benz registered to an additional district judge was being driven by the judge's 17-year-old son when it hit a scooter near Cheranalloor in the early hours of October 25. The collision killed Jayabalakrishnan, a 55-year-old street vendor.
The Juvenile Justice Board granted the teenager bail on October 26, citing his juvenile status and lack of prior criminal records. On October 29, the High Court gave the judge interim protection from arrest and directed him to cooperate with the investigation.
On Thursday, the High Court granted the judge anticipatory bail. It cited his cooperation during a six-hour interrogation and a house search, and said there was no risk of him absconding. The same day, the Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court dismissed appeals by the State and the victim's family, refusing to cancel the juvenile's bail because grounds for cancellation had not been established.