The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 6) granted regular bail to the four accused in the Mini Cooper Crash, which claimed the lives of three youngsters. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 617]

The Court ordered that the prime accused Suhail Sajeev, who allegedly drove the car under the influence of alcohol, can be released after 10 days. No such time period has been imposed as regards the other accused - Ninav, Ameen Shah and Joyal S. Anto, who were the passengers in the car at the time of the accident.

A detailed order is awaited.

Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath today heard detailed arguments by Senior Advocate Raman B. Pillai, Advocate Saiby Jose Kidangoor, Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali and the counsel appearing for the father of one of the victims.

"I'll dispose of the bail applications. I'll dispose of the case but order release of the first accused after 10 days...Others, I'll grant bail. Others, no offence is attracted," the Court orally said.

The Court noted that the accused were in custody for almost a month, during which time police custody was also given for three days on two separate occasions. It was also noted that they did no have any criminal antecedents and their licences have been suspended. Moreover, the investigation is also concluded, it further noted.

"Now the investigation has come to the conclusion. Whether they have requisite knowledge or not. Everything has been collected. Mere consumption of alcohol or overspeeding, we cannot jump to the conclusion that they had requisite knowledge. Of course, these are primary pieces of evidence...Three innocent people died. Accused in early twenties. They have no criminal antecedents. They are students. Twice police custody has been given. Investigation, everything is over...They have been in custody for almost a month. There must be some reason for them to continue in custody," it orally said.

The fatal accident was caused when the Mini Cooper car allegedly driven by Sajeev hit a scooter carrying three riders Eyas, Devika and Gopika. The incident happened in the early hours of October 11 (Sunday) at the Airport-Athani road.

The prosecution has alleged that the accused were guilty of offences under Sections 281, 105, 49, 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Sajeev and Ninav, accused Nos. 1 and 2, were arrested on October 11 and were remanded to judicial custody. The next day, Joyal and Ameen were arrested and remanded.

They moved the High Court after being denied bail by the the Additional Sessions Court, Ernakulam and the JFCM Angamaly.

Counsel for the petitioners: Raman B. Pillai (Sr.), Saiby Jose Kidangoor, Aromalunni M.S., Saina Fathima S.R., Pramitha Augustine, Afsana Khan, Anna Paul, Sreeraj S. Rajaram, Amal Dileep, Victor Joseph, Adarsh Padmanabhan, Adithyan C., Vidhu M.Unnithan, Binu Babukuttan, K.K. Aji Kumar, Ratheesh C., Hari Sankar V., Nima Meriyam Koshy

Counsel for the respondents: T. Asaf Ali - DGP