Haryana withdraws cases against Honda workers

Despite strong resistance from the state Home Department, the Haryana government has ordered withdrawal of five criminal cases registered against employees of Gurgaon-based Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India.

Two of these cases were registered against the Honda workers following violent clashes between them and the police on July 25, 2005, while two FIRs were registered on July 23, 2005. One case was registered on June 10, 2005.

The workers, who were demanding reinstatement of their sacked and suspended colleagues, blockaded roads including the Jaipur National Highway, hurled bricks at the police and clashed with them, indulged in arson and assaulted Deputy Superintendent of Police Jag Parvesh Dahiya.

The move to withdraw the cases against Honda workers —including union leaders Suresh Gaur, CD Tikkar, Harjit Singh, Vinod Tiwari etc.— has made civil servants and police officials unhappy.

However, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Home, Firoza Mehrotra said: “The Gurgaon District Attorney has clearly stated that this is not a fit case for withdrawal from prosecution. We should let the law take its course. The Chief Minister may please see for orders.” Mehrotra was, nonetheless, overruled.