Deadly dispute at car giant highlights India's labour laws, jobs malaise

New Delhi

IN A crowded court just outside Delhi, the fate of 148 men caught up in a deadly labour dispute at India's largest carmaker has been decided in a case that has highlighted the unrest rippling across India's industrial landscape.

The trial court in Gurgaon convicted 31 Maruti Suzuki India Ltd workers and acquitted 117 others of all charges, according to Rebecca John, a senior advocate who represented some of the workers. "If 117 out of 148 have been acquitted of all charges, I can only say it exposes the complete fabrication of evidence against the workers," Ms John said. A detailed copy of the judgment has not yet been given out, she added, while the sentence is expected to be handed down in the coming week.