KOCHI: The Kerala High Court is considering action against the additional district and sessions judge,whose minor son was allegedly at the wheel of a luxury car that fatally knocked down a man in Cheranalloor. The HC judge in charge of Thrissur district has recommended the judicial officer’s immediate suspension and a detailed inquiry.
The recommendation will be placed before the Administrative Committee, comprising the chief justice and senior judges, for a final decision. “No decision has been reached on the communication. The committee will consider it soon,” said a source.
The judicial officer has been booked under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Jayabalakrishnan, a native of Manjali who ran an eatery near Sree Krishnaswamy temple in Chittoor, died in the accident that took place in the early hours of Sunday on Container Road. The victim’s family had alleged that the judicial officer reached Cheranalloor police station soon after the accident. The HC also took note of his visit after learning that his son had been taken into custody. Supreme Court guidelines bar judicial officers from visiting police stations except for official duties or judicial functions. They also require prior permission from the district and sessions judge for such visits.
The portfolio judge noted that the judicial officer was the car’s registered owner. Under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, a guardian is deemed guilty of an offence committed by a juvenile and is liable to face proceedings if the vehicle is registered in his/her name.
The motor vehicles department confirmed that the officer owned the car and his son was driving it at the time of the accident. The portfolio judge observed that a prima facie case existed against the officer if the allegations were true.
Case registered against judge
Cheranalloor police have registered a case against the judge, the car owner, under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act. The investigating officer told TNIE that a report on the action taken had been submitted to the HC registrar.
Further action would be decided by the court, the officer said, adding that a report would be sent to the MVD for further action, including cancellation of the vehicle’s registration. The vehicle’s registration is likely to be cancelled for 12 months.