Hearing in Honda incident concludes, verdict reserved

Chandigarh, Nov 22 (UNI) The Inquiry Commission, constituted by the Haryana government last year at the Centre's direction to probe the police atrocities on agitating employees of Honda car unit at Gurgaon and allied issues, today reserved its verdict after the hearing.

Since Parliament was in session when the incident occurred in July, 2005 and police action was telecast live by various channels, the matter had led to stalling of the Parliament proceedings which prompted the ruling UPA to ask the Haryana government to probe the matter.

A total of 561 affidavits by affected individuals and others were submitted before the commission, headed by refered High Court Judge G C Garg till October, 2005. The first sitting was held at the civil secretariat here on December 8, 2005. However, the proceeding were subsequently shifted to Delhi apparently to suit the convenience of the employees concerned and their leaders.

A virtual boycott by the employees union representatives of the commission proceedings, also because of the agreement arrived at with the Honda management subsequently, marked an important turning point as only the official viewpoint of the incident presented by the state counsel N S Bhinder was available.

The Commission's present extended term expires on December 31 before which it would submit its report and recommendations to the state government.

UNI XC PS KD KP2104