HC directs striking Maruti workers to vacate premises

The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday directed that there would be no sit-in strike within 100 meters of the premises of Maruti Suzuki's factory at Manesar. Justice Surya Kant of high court issued further directions that striking workers on dharna (sit-in protest) in the factory be taken out.

He also directed that the loyal workers be allowed to join their duties and those on strike should not be allowed to stop them.

The court's directions came on a petition filed by Maruti Suzuki, seeking the declaration of ongoing strike by its workers as illegal. Thursday was the seventh day of the strike.

Justice Kant further directed that Gurgaon police commissioner will decide the place of dharna, and ensure that it is peaceful. The court also asked the police authorities to see that the workers who wish to join dharna are not stopped, and police will enforce their right of work.