Date:10/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/10/stories/2005061002380700.htm

Kerala

Coke rejects conditional licence

Staff Reporter

PALAKKAD: : Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited at Plachimada has rejected the three-month conditional licence issued by the Perumatty Grama Panchayat describing it as a violation of the High Court order.

The company, in its letter to the panchayat on Wednesday, said that "the grant of licence for a period of three months is arbitrary and in violation of High Court order of April 7, 2005 and as further clarified on June 1, 2005. It is a step once again taken by the Panchayat in total disregard of the Rule of Law and also the judicial determination.''

The company has also filed another application for licence for two years. The 13 conditions mentioned in the panchayat order were "well outside the powers entrusted to the Panchayatunder the Panchayati Raj legislation for governance within the geographical boundaries."