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 private airline flight.

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

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

The woman passenger had complained that Mr Joseph, who had to resign as the Public Works Minister following the incident, had 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 had recommended further probe.

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

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

UNI XR ARC DK1129