Kochi, Sep 22 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today issued notice to the state government on a petition seeking the registration of a criminal case against Former Minister P J Joseph for allegedly misbehaving with a woman aboard a flight belonging to a private airliner.

Directing the government to file its counter-affidavit, a Division Bench of Chief Justice V K Bali and Mr Justice M Ramachandran adjourned the hearing to September 29.

In her petition, All India Mahila Congress Committee Secretary Simi Rosebel John prayed for a direction to the government for a police investigation into the alleged incident on board a Chennai-Kochi flight on August 3.

The woman passenger had complained that Mr Joseph, who had to resign as the Public Works Minister following the incident, tried to fondle her as the aircraft lights dimmed during take-off.

A preliminary inquiry by IGP B Sandhya had found that there was some substance in the complaint and recommended further probe.

The government then announced its decision to hold a judicial inquiry into the case.

In her petition, Ms Rosebel John said the court should forbear the state from conducting a judicial inquiry and instead order a police investigation into the alleged crime.

UNI XR ARC MSJ DB1159