SC directs UP sugar mills to clear farmers' dues

New Delhi, Sep 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the Uttar Pradesh sugarmill owners to clear within four weeks the dues of cane farmers at the rate of Rs 110 per quintal for the year 2007-08.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and M K Sharma also directed that there should be no deductions from the amount to be payed to the sugarcane growers like transportation charges.

The apex court also directed the mill owners to pay to them at the rate of Rs 115, Rs 118 and Rs 123 per quintal for the year 2006-07.

The final rates to be paid to the farmers will, however, be decided by the Allahabad High Court.

UNI/SC ATI RL NS1650