Cheranalloor Crash: Portfolio Judge Seeks Immediate Suspension of Additional Judge

Kochi: Justice P V Kunhikrishnan, the portfolio judge, has written to the Chief Justice seeking the immediate suspension of the Additional Judge whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove a car at high speed and killed a roadside eatery owner. He also pointed out that the judge’s conduct had brought disrepute to the judiciary.

The High Court’s administrative committee is expected to take a decision after considering, among other things, the Supreme Court’s directive prohibiting judicial officers from visiting police stations in person except in connection with official duties. A decision is expected today.

Police had registered a case against the Additional Judge. Jayabalakrishnan (55), a native of Puthenparambil, Thamaramukku, Manjali, Paravur, died in the accident that occurred in Cheranalloor early on Sunday.

The case was registered under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which allows action against the vehicle owner or guardian when a minor drives a vehicle and causes an accident. The provision carries a punishment of up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs 25,000.

Police registered the case 32 hours after the accident, following strong protests by Jayabalakrishnan’s family. However, the police said the delay was due only to the time taken to seek the High Court’s permission to initiate action against the judge.

Jayabalakrishnan’s children staged a sit-in protest in front of the Cheranalloor police station again on Monday. They called off the protest around 9 pm after Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured them that urgent intervention would follow.

ADGP P Vijayan is scheduled to meet the family today.