Maruti plant violence: Final verdict on March 10, Section 144 imposed

With the final verdict in the case of the violence at the Maruti Suzuki plant in 2012 expected on March 10, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 near the plant from March 10 to 15.

With the final verdict in the case of the violence at the Maruti Suzuki plant in 2012 expected on March 10, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 near the plant from March 10 to 15.

Representatives of various workers’ unions met at a Manesar park on Tuesday. They warned of a strike if the court decision was against workers. (HT Photo)

Awanish Kumar Dev, general manager (human resources) of Maruti Suzuki, was burnt to death and several executives injured in the violence in the car plant allegedly triggered by workers on July 18, 2012.

The police had arrested 147 workers in connection with the case, which is under trial at the district court. A total of 145 were charged in the case.

Hardeep Singh, deputy commissioner, on Tuesday ordered the imposition of Section 144 CrPC within 500 metres of the Maruti Suzuki plant in Manesar.

The order will remain in force from March 10 to 15. The prohibitory section bars assembly of more than four people and carrying of arms and weapons of any kind in the specified area.

The section was enforced after members of several workers’ unions held a meeting at Manesar on Tuesday and warned of protest if the court verdict was anti-workers. The unions decided to hold a meeting on the evening of March 10 and launch a protest if the decision was not in favour of the workers.

“Several unions are in favour of the jailed and undertrial workers. They have unanimously decided to protest if the verdict is not in the workers’ favour. Workers will boycott food at the company’s premises on March 9,” said Kuldeep Janghu, general secretary, Maruti Udyog Kamgaar Union.

The DC said the police have been duly informed for arranging adequate force due to the possibility of an adverse law and order situation.

Of the 145 workers, 11 are still in jail while others were released on bail in different hearings. But all are facing trial. The workers were accused of various charges, including rioting with weapons, murder, attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, assault and trespass. Violence was triggered after a tussle between workers and the management over various demands.

Several executives, managers, and supervisors were attacked and huge losses were caused to the plant after its offices were set on fire.