Kochi: The Additional District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, will pronounce its order on November 5 regarding appeals seeking cancellation of bail granted to a 17-year-old accused in the Cheranalloor accident that claimed the life of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan.
The proceedings, which took place on Monday, took an unusual turn when the prosecution levelled serious allegations against Jayabalakrishnan’s family, accusing them of obstructing an independent investigation and interfering with the prosecution through unwarranted remarks. The court termed the allegations serious and directed both parties involved in the case not to make derogatory remarks or scandalise the judicial proceedings. The court also decided to conduct the hearing in camera since a Child in Conflict with the Law (CCL) is involved.
The appeals were filed by the state government and the children of the deceased challenging the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) order granting bail to the CCL. The investigating officer appeared in person and produced the case diary.
Terming the allegations serious, the court sought to know the nature of the alleged interference and whether it involved threats or intimidation. It also questioned the counsel representing the deceased’s family about the alleged obstruction.
"Everyone has rights," the court observed, pointing out that the family, aggrieved by the grant of bail, had exercised its right to appeal, which the court had admitted. "Likewise, the prosecution also has its rights," the court said.
The court was also informed about allegations from certain quarters that the prosecution had failed to answer questions raised during the proceedings and also making derogatory remarks against the prosecution.
Separately, the additional district judge whose 17-year-old son was involved in the fatal accident has been booked for attempting to destroy evidence. According to Cheranalloor police, the victim's family registered a fresh complaint alleging the judge spent time at the accident site in a bid to destroy evidence and forced an officer to delete a photograph of his son clicked by a member of the victim's family. The police have moved a special court seeking cancellation of the minor’s bail, and a Special Investigation Team will investigate the complaint.
The special court for considering cases involving atrocities against women and children in Ernakulam on Monday reserved its order in the criminal appeals against the bail granted to the 17-year-old juvenile. The court is likely to pass an order on Thursday, November 5.
