Kerala HC asks Cultural Minister K.C Joseph to appear in person on March 1 in Contempt Case

A division bench of the Kerala High Court on Tuesday has directed the Minister for Cultural and Rural Affairs, Mr K.C Joseph to appear before it on 01/03/16 at 03:30 pm to face the contempt proceedings initiated against later. The minister had allegedly made derogatory remarks in his face book against Mr Justice Alexander Thomas which was the reason for initiation of contempt proceedings .

The above direction was issued  pursuant to the direction issued by the court on 02/02/16 calling for his appearance in person on 16/02/16. Live Law had reported the initiation of contempt proceedings against the minister by the Kerala High Court in this regard.

The minister had on Tuesday filed an affidavit  seeking  an apology in the matter. The Minister in his affidavit stated as follows:- “I have always maintained highest respect for the institution of judiciary and have never attempted to offend the majesty of law; undermine  dignity of Courts or obstruct the administration of justice.I hereby tender unconditional apology before this Honourable court and pray this Honourable court may be pleased to accept my apology and drop all proceedings in Contempt against me.”

The Minister in another affidavit also sought an exemption from appearing on Tuesday, citing the ongoing legislative assembly session scheduled to be held till 25/02/16.The Minister agreed to appear on any other day subsequent to 25/02/16.

Considering the affidavit, the division bench comprising of Mr Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Mr Justice Sunil Thomas  observed that alleged contemptuous act was not made by a common man, but a minister . The court thereafter adjourned the case to 29/02/16 for further verification and examination of the contents of the affidavit. The court has also permitted the counsel for the complainant Mr V.Sivan Kutty M.L.A  to file his objection if any to the affidavit filed by the minister.

In addition to the M.L.A, Advocate Sri B.H Mansoor as well as All India Lawyer’s Union (A.I.L.U) had also filed similar complaints  on the administrative side of the High Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the minister.The A.I.L.U in the meanwhile has also filed a petition before the honourable court stating that the  administrative wing of the High Court registry  has not initiated steps to forward its complaint for further proceedings before the panel headed by the Chief Justice.

Read the Affidavit here.