MLA Uma Thomas Accident: Kerala Court grants bail to Janeesh PS

The Ernakulam Sessions Court on Monday granted bail to Janeesh PS, the proprietor of Oscar Event Management, who was booked for criminal negligence after Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas fell from a 15-foot-high VIP gallery and sustained critical injuries during an event held at Kaloor Stadium [Janeesh v State of Kerala].The sessions court rejected the custody report filed by the police and granted bail to Janeesh..The tragic mishap occurred on December 29, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor during an event showcasing 12,000 Bharatanatyam performers which was aimed at setting a Guinness World Record by performing Bharatanatyam simultaneously .MLA Thomas, who was invited as a guest, fell from a 15-foot-high VIP gallery after she lost her balance while moving through a pathway, resulting in critical injuries to her brain, spine and lungs. She was hospitalized and had to be put on ventilator support though she is said to be recovering now.The gallery reportedly lacked proper barricades and had insufficient pathways for navigation.Following the accident, a criminal case was registered against the event organisers, including Janeesh and Nigosh Kumar, who were booked for criminal negligence under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) including Sections 125 (negligent act endangering life), 125(b) (grievous injury due to negligence), and 3(5) (common intention) read with Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act (grave violation of public safety)..The counsel for Janeesh submitted that the petitioner had entrusted other professionals to provide all necessary safety measures for the smooth conduct of the event. It was argued that safety protocols, including security personnel, fire force, ambulances, volunteers and doctors were duly arranged and there was no negligence on the part of the petitioner. The counsel further contended that the petitioner had no involvement in the alleged incident and was not liable for the unfortunate events..While Janeesh's earlier plea for anticipatory bail was declined by the Kerala High Court, the trial court granted him bail..His bail plea was moved through advocate MR Dhanil.Earlier, the court had granted interim bail to Nigosh Kumar, the proprietor of Mridanga Vision which organised the event.