Air India had removed Capt. Sebastian Joseph, Deputy General Manager (Operations) from all administrative duties and seized his Training Captain status which includes status of Check Pilot, Examiner and Instructor for three years.

Air India has informed Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh who had sought for details on the report that Air India retains pilot caught drunk on duty. 

Air India has also clarified to the Minister that Capt S. Joseph was removed from the Flight No. AI 671/672 on February 3, 2012 immediately after he had tested positive on alcohol in the pre-flight medical test. The flight was operated with another Commander. Flight No. AI 671/672 was scheduled for the sector Chennai-Madurai-Chennai-Mumbai. 

Also as per CAR requirement of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt S. Joseph was put off the roster for a period of three months immediately after the incident. 

Air India is also initiating disciplinary action against Capt. Joseph, it has informed the Minister.