Guwahati: On Monday, December 9, the Supreme Court ordered the Assam government to submit an affidavit outlining its strategy for compensating plantation workers in the 15 tea estates run by the state-owned Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL) for the remaining Rs. 70 crores in unpaid debts.
The Assam counsel's statement that the money would be given in two annual installments was recorded by a bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih. This ruling follows the Court's declaration that it will sell ATCL's assets to cover the debt.
“Learned Senior Counsel appearing for the State of Assam states that the balance amount of approximately Rs. 70 crores will be paid by two yearly instalments. We direct the state to file an affidavit in that regard. We grant time of four weeks to the state government to file the affidavit in the above terms. For considering the affidavit filed by the State of Assam, list on January 24, 2024”, the Court stated.
The Court scheduled a follow-up hearing for January 24, 2024, and gave the state four weeks to turn in the affidavit. "The installments will be made in 2025-26 and 2026-27, respectively," the state's attorney stated.
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