Saji Cherian courts controversy again, petition filed accusing him of promoting smoking

Kerala's culture minister had earlier triggered a row over his remark against the Constitution.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala cultural affairs minister Saji Cheriyan's attempt to justify a CPI(M) MLA's son booked on charges of using ganja became controversial. 

CPI(M) MLA Pratibha Hair's son was held by the excise along with some other youths last week on charges of using ganja. Three grams ganja was also seized from them. 

Justifying it, Cheriyan said at a public meeting on Thursday that the FIR only said that the youths were smoking. "Smoking can't be considered as a grave crime. I too smoke occasionally. Many prominent persons used to smoke, " he said. 

A Congress local leader had sent petitions to the Governor and High Court chief justice accusing the minister of promoting smoking among teenagers. 

State excise minister M B Rajesh later reacted that smoking could not be considered as good habit. 

Cheriyan had earlier courted controversy over his remark against the Constitution. He had to even keep off from the Cabinet over the issue.