A Kerala judge has sought anticipatory bail after his minor son's car fatally struck a scooter rider. The case has sparked outrage and scrutiny over the police response.A committee will have to meet to decide on the judge’s suspension and further action.

Kochi,Oct 29, 2026 09:55 ISTAn Additional District and Sessions Judge in Keralam has approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail after being named as an accused in a case involving a Mercedes-Benz car driven by his 17-year-old son that crashed into a scooter, killing its rider earlier this week.In his anticipatory bail application, the judge stated that he was unaware that his minor son had taken the car out. He claimed that he learnt about the incident only after receiving a phone call following the accident.The case has triggered public outrage, with the victim’s family accusing the authorities of initially taking lenient action against the teenager.Responding to a notice on the matter in the state Assembly on Tuesday, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said a case had been registered against the judge, in whose name the luxury car was registered. “They (police) have informed the High Court about the case registered.

The High Court has to take action against the judge. The government has no role in it,” the minister said.According to High Court sources, a committee will have to meet to decide on the judge’s suspension and further action.

The minister also acknowledged lapses by the police and said the Juvenile Justice Board should not have granted bail to the minor driver.VICTIM’S FAMILY DEMANDS ACTIONJayabalakrishnan, a 55-year-old man who ran a roadside eatery, died after his scooter was hit from behind by the Mercedes-Benz driven by the judge’s son.The teenager was initially detained and booked under negligence charges before being released on station bail. Following public outrage, he was detained again and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail.“I am saying this here.

I have the protection of the House, that the Juvenile Justice Board should not have granted bail,” Chennithala said.The minister added that he had spoken to the Director General of Police (DGP) and questioned why only bailable sections had initially been invoked in the case. He said he had directed the police to initiate proceedings to cancel the teenager’s bail.Meanwhile, the police named the Additional District and Sessions Judge as an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The provision deals with the liability of a juvenile’s guardian or the vehicle’s owner for offences committed by a minor under the Act.- Ends