Plachimada Tribunal Bill passed in Kerala assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - A bill seeking compensation from soft drink giant Coca Cola for the losses its Kerala plant caused to the people living nearby was passed in the state assembly Thursday.

The bill became a reality following the recommendation made by the Jayakumar committee to set up a tribunal.

The tribunal will consist of three members to be appointed by the government and would include a chairperson who is or was a district judge, an administrative member and an expert member and the term of the office would be two years.

The bill also provides for the transfer of all records except those of the high court and Supreme Court to the tribunal on this issue within 30 days of forming the tribunal.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private (HCCB) Limited expressed disappointment at the bill.

A company statement issued soon after the assembly passed the bill said it is devoid of facts, scientific data or any input from or consideration given to the company.