An Additional District Judge in Kerala, whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove a Mercedes-Benz that killed a roadside eatery owner near Kochi, was questioned by police for nearly three hours on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, and asked to return for further questioning on Thursday. The case has triggered administrative and judicial scrutiny at multiple levels, including action against local police officials.

How the Accident Unfolded

The crash took place at around 2.20 a.m. on 25 October on Container Road in Cheranalloor, near Kochi. Jayabalakrishnan, 55, was returning home after shutting his roadside eatery when the Mercedes-Benz — allegedly behind the wheel of the judge's minor son — struck his scooter. He died on the spot, leaving behind his wife and three children.

The incident occurred in the early hours, raising questions about the circumstances under which a minor was driving a luxury vehicle unsupervised at that hour.

Judge Summoned, Questioning Under Way

The judge, who has been named as an accused in the case, was summoned to the Aluva Police Club at around 2.40 p.m. on Wednesday. He was allowed to leave after nearly three hours of questioning. Investigators are expected to use his Thursday appearance to further clarify the sequence of events and the alleged involvement of family members in the accident.

Notably, the judge's status as a serving judicial officer has lent the case unusual sensitivity, with observers watching closely whether the investigation will proceed without interference.

Kerala High Court Administrative Committee Defers Action

Reports indicate that the Kerala High Court Administrative Committee has decided against taking immediate action against the judge. The committee is expected to revisit the matter after two days, once the police investigation report is available.

The decision came despite a recommendation by the High Court judge in charge of Thrissur district that the Additional District Judge be suspended. The committee reportedly chose to wait for the facts to be established through the police probe before proceeding against the judicial officer. Critics argue the delay raises questions about the speed of institutional accountability when one of its own is implicated.

Police Officials Suspended, Commissioner Transferred

In a significant parallel development, four police officials attached to the local station that registered the case were suspended on Wednesday. Additionally, the Kochi City Police Commissioner was transferred out of the post on the same day. The swift action against law enforcement personnel suggests authorities are responding to concerns about the initial handling of the case, particularly given the accused's judicial background.

This is not the first time in India that a case involving the child of a senior government official driving a luxury vehicle has prompted questions about preferential treatment in the early stages of a probe. With the police investigation ongoing and the High Court committee set to review the matter shortly, the coming days will be decisive for both the judicial proceedings and the question of accountability.