Holding that the frisking of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was "absolutely unpardonable", the government said Tuesday an inquiry had been ordered and Continental Airlines of the US issued notice for its action that was in "wilful violation" of Indian laws.

"The frisking was absolutely unpardonable," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said in the Rajya Sabha. "Action will be taken in accordance with the sentiments of the house."