GURGAON (TIP): A labour court in Gurgaon has directed automobile major Maruti Suzuki India Ltd to pay Rs 1 lakh each as compensation to 425 workers, who were sacked after violence in the company’s Manesar plant in July 2012.

The order was given by the court of additional district and sessions judge Ajay Parashar on March 2 after more than 20 hearings after the sacked workers filed a petition in 2012. Maruti was asked to deposit Rs 4.25 crore with the court for making payments to workers. The court also observed that the sacked workers were harassed since July 18, 2012 when violence erupted at the Manesar plant.

According to the order, each worker will receive Rs 85,000 as compensation while Rs 15,000 will go to the court for expenses incurred. Rajendar Pathak, counsel for the workers, said the company had taken action merely on suspicion. Maruti Suzuki Kamgar Union president Kuldeep Jhangu said.

“The compensation is fine but the sacked employees need a job. Therefore, the company should reinstate them.” A spokesperson for Maruti Suzuki said, “We will consider further course of action based on our understanding of the court’s order.”