The Kerala High Court today observed that state Culture Minister K C Joseph owes an apology to the public for making contemptuous comment against one of its judges.

When the contempt petition filed by CPI-M MLA V Sivankutty came up for hearing, a division bench comprising justices Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Sunil Thomas directed the minister to be present before the court on March 10 at 12.30 pm and adjourned the matter till then.

Joseph was present in the court today following its directive on February 16. The petitioner was also present.

In his petition, Sivankutty alleged that the minister had committed criminal contempt by making derogatory remarks against Justice Alexander Thomas who had criticised the style of functioning of the Advocate General's office.

The minister had made the remarks in a Facebook post last July while reacting to the judge's observations.

The court today was of the opinion that there has to be an expression of apology to the public.

Even though the minister expressed his willingness to tender apology through Facebook, the court asked does it erase the impression created by him in the minds of common man about judiciary.