Published Oct 27, 2026 | 12:16 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 27, 2026 | 12:16 PM
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
Synopsis: Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has criticised Additional District Judge Rino Francis for visiting the police station after the fatal Cheranalloor crash in which a speeding luxury sedan allegedly driven by the judge’s minor son rammed into a scooter, killing its rider. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Chennithala said the judge had committed a grave mistake, as the circumstances of the incident did not warrant the exercise of any official privilege available to judicial officers.
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday, 27 October, criticised Additional District Judge Rino Francis for visiting the police station after the fatal Cheranalloor crash in which a speeding luxury sedan allegedly driven by the judge’s minor son rammed into a scooter, killing its rider.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Chennithala said the judge had committed a grave mistake, as the circumstances of the incident did not warrant the exercise of any official privilege available to judicial officers.
The home minister said judicial officers were permitted to visit police stations in the discharge of their official duties, but that provision did not apply to this case. He also criticised the judge for allegedly shouting at the victim’s daughter, describing his conduct as “so rude”.
A case had been registered against the judge, who is the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the crash. Chennithala said that the matter had been brought to the attention of the Registrar of the Kerala High Court.
He also told the Assembly that he had held discussions with the transport minister on possible amendments to existing laws to address offences such as drunk driving, reckless driving and driving under the influence of narcotic substances.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the police’s approach in the case appeared unchanged despite the Home Minister’s firm position. He alleged that the police had failed to follow even the Home Minister’s directives.
He said the incident exposed a double standard in the administration of justice, with one set of rules for the wealthy and influential and another for ordinary citizens. He said the government’s stated opposition to such discrimination was insufficient and urged it to treat the incident with utmost seriousness.
“I had to ask. And this happened even before the funeral pyre had died down,” he said.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) P Vijayan visited the Cheranalloor police station on Tuesday and met the family of Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed in the crash.
Speaking to the media, the ADGP said he would consult all parties involved and ensure that necessary action was taken against those responsible.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
