Expressing serious concern over the growing number of hit-and-run accidents that remain unsolved, the Kerala High Court has directed the State Police Chief to establish dedicated Special Squads in every district to trace offenders and vehicles involved in such incidents. The Court also ordered that investigations in three separate hit-and-run cases be transferred to District Crime Branch teams headed by officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Delivering the judgment, Justice G. Girish observed that victims of hit-and-run accidents often face not only physical and financial hardship but also prolonged uncertainty when the offending vehicle is never identified.
Background of the Cases
The judgment dealt with three writ petitions arising from separate hit-and-run incidents across Kerala.
In one case, a 35-year-old bank employee suffered severe spinal injuries after being struck by an SUV on the Angamaly-Aluva Road in December 2025. Despite CCTV cameras in the area, the vehicle had not been traced, and the victim sought transfer of the investigation to a senior police officer.
The second petition was filed by the wife of a 60-year-old mason who died after a car allegedly hit his scooter in Thiruvananthapuram district. She informed the Court that she had even produced CCTV footage before the authorities, but the investigation had made no meaningful progress.
The third case involved a 24-year-old woman who sustained multiple fractures after a motorcycle allegedly struck her scooter in Ernakulam and fled the scene. She requested a fair and effective investigation so that the vehicle could be identified, enabling her to pursue compensation before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
Court's Observations
Justice Girish observed that successful investigation of hit-and-run cases depends on immediate coordination among police units and prompt use of technology, including telecommunications and forensic tools.
The Court remarked,
"It is high time for the intervention of this Court to give directions to Police higher-ups to constitute special squads in each Districts to co-ordinate effective steps for the round up and apprehension of offending vehicles and culprits."
The judgment also noted that investigations into such cases often lose momentum unless they attract public attention. The Court cautioned that, in some situations, these incidents could involve more serious criminal offences, making effective investigation essential for the administration of criminal justice.
The Court further highlighted shortcomings in the implementation of the Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2021, referring to earlier directions issued by the Supreme Court to improve awareness, monitoring and assistance for victims seeking compensation.
Directions Issued by the Court
The High Court directed the State Police Chief to establish Special Squads in every district under the supervision of District Police Chiefs for the prompt investigation of hit-and-run cases. These squads are to coordinate with police stations across districts, receive technological support from cyber police units and be widely publicised so that members of the public can provide information quickly.
The Court also expressed an expectation that the Central Government would consider strengthening the existing compensation framework for hit-and-run victims and examine international models while implementing earlier Supreme Court directions.
Court's Decision
Disposing of all three writ petitions, the Kerala High Court directed that the investigations in Crime No. 1540/2025 (Nedumbassery Airport Police Station), Crime No. 1170/2025 (Kallambalam Police Station) and Crime No. 391/2025 (Kadavanthra Police Station) be transferred to District Crime Branch teams headed by officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The Registry was also directed to forward copies of the judgment to the Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Secretary of Kerala and the State Police Chief for necessary action.
Case Details
Case Title: Geetha v. State Police Chief of Kerala & Others (Connected Case)
Case Number: W.P.(Crl.) Nos. 15/2026, 721/2026 & 829/2026
Judge: Justice G. Girish
Decision Date: 20 July 2026
