The proceedings were initiated in a petition filed by Ajitha to post the hearing of state appeal in the 'Ice cream parlour sex case' before another bench.

Justice K Thankappan, who was hearing the case, said this amounts to prima facie contempt of court. He then issued notice to showcause why action under contempt of court act should not be taken against her and her counsel.

Earlier,Ajitha had written a letter to the Chief Justice on January 12 this year stating her reservations and apprehensions about the present bench hearing the matter.

As the hearing of the case proceeded today, she filed a petition before the Chief Justice seeking to post the case to another bench. When the petition came up before the High Court, the bench said this would amount to contempt and the counsel was directed to inform the court if they desired to withdraw the petition.

At 1.45 PM when the case was taken up again, the counsel informed that they were maintaining their stand.

Hence, the court issued notices to petitioners.

The bench said the court had received more than nearly 150 annoymous letters regarding the hearing of the case.

Earlier, Assistant session court, Kozhikode, had acquitted all the accused in the case, which was challenged by the government.