New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS): The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the city police not to take any coercive steps against Air India pilot Arvind Kathpalia, accused of violating aircraft rules and tampering with evidence.

Justice Mukta Gupta, who was hearing an anticipatory bail plea of Kathpalia, directed the pilot to join the investigation.

The Indian Pilots Association has alleged that Kathpalia on January 19, 2017, operated a back and forth flight from New Delhi to Bengaluru without undergoing the mandatory pre-flight breath analyser test.

The Delhi Police has registered an FIR accusing him of destruction of evidence and forgery under sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Aircraft Act.

On November 13, the Centre removed Kathpalia from the post of Director - Operations after he skipped the pre-flight breath analyser test.

Earlier, his flying licence was suspended by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).