Kerala HC declines to stay govt order on Coca-Cola

Image
Press Trust of India Kochi
Last Updated : Mar 18 2013 | 3:47 PM IST
 
The bench, comprising justice Cyriac Joseph and justice K Padmanabhan Nair, held that at this stage, prima facie there was no reason to doubt the government's bonafides when they say that the February 17 order was issued to protect the people's rights to drinking water and tide over the difficult situation caused by drought and non-availablity of water for basic human needs.
 
 

 
The difficulties of the people owing to non-availablity of water deserves more consideration than the difficulties which may be caused to the company due to temporary closing down of its factory for a few days, the bench held.
 
 

 
The bench observed that if it is found that there is substance in the allegation that the petitioner company is subjected to "hostile" discrimination, the government can in public interest take action against similar factories also instead of lifting the ban imposed on the petitioner company.
 
 

 
While removing the illegality of "hostile discrimination," the court's anxiety should be to minimise the problem and hardships of the people and not to aggravate them, the bench held.
 
 

 
The bench made the observations when a writ petition by the hindustan coca cola beverages ltd challenging the go came up before the court.
 
 

 
The judges also directed the state government to file a counter affidavit within 10 days on the petition. The case has been posted to March 22.

 
 

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 09 2004 | 12:00 AM IST

Next Story