HC asks Centre to revive HMT's Ranibagh factory

The factory began production in 1985 after it was with inaugurated by then PM Rajiv Gandhi

The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday asked the Centre to explore the possibilities of reviving the HMT Watches factory at Ranibagh in Nainital district.

Taking strong objection against the closure of the HMT factory, Justice Rajiv Sharma refused to grant permission for the modification of the earlier order, which on December 8 had stayed a central government notification for the closure of the 31-year-old factory rekindling hopes for its revival.

Justice Sharma also directed the HMT Company to pay the remaining wages and other benefits to the employees within two weeks time. 

Pleading the case of the HMT workers, who