Kerala HC issues notice to minor driver in Cheranalloor car crash in plea by victims’ family

The Kerala High Court has issued notice to the child in conflict with law (CCL) in the Cheranalloor car crash case, following a petition filed by the victim’s children.

The minor, son of a District Judge, was driving the vehicle that collided with a two-wheeler, claiming the life of Jayabalakrishnan, a 55-year-old man.

R.J. Bhadrakeerthi and R.J. Bharath Sankar, children of Jayabalakrishnan, approached the court challenging the bail granted to the minor by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (Children’s Court).

They contended that the circumstances of the accident, the manner in which the vehicle was driven, the alleged recording of the speedometer showing 108 kmph, the CCL’s age and background, and the possibility of interference with the investigation required proper examination under the Juvenile Justice Act.

They opposed the trial court’s finding that the gravity of the offence and the loss of human life could not be factored in while considering bail for a CCL under the governing law. The law stipulates that bail should be denied if the release is likely to “defeat the ends of justice” or “expose the child to moral, physical or psychological danger”.

The petitioners also alleged that the trial court failed to consider that the CCL belonged to an influential background and was active on mobile and social media platforms. They argued that his unhindered release at an early stage of the investigation could risk evidence tampering, witness intimidation and frustration of the judicial inquiry.