Kolkata: The ongoing legal battle between the West Bengal government and Tata Motors over Singur land looks headed for an out-of-court settlement.
Though none of the parties is willing to go on record, sources disclosed the developments to Gulf News.
The sources said Tata Motors does not want to project an image of being anti-people while the West Bengal government does not want to be viewed as anti-industry.
"The present government is very keen for industrialisation and if on the other hand it fights a pitched battle with a major business group it portrays a different image," said a government insider.
Distribution
Tata's counsel Saturday requested Justice Soumitra Pal that in light of media reports that the process for distribution of land was on, a workable solution has to be found on maintaining the status quo.
The counsel said land should not be distributed to farmers as long as the case continues. He also requested the court to expedite the hearing.
The district administration of Singur submitted a report before the court stating the law and order situation and on the alleged pilfering of goods from the factory premises.
The report said there was a complaint of theft of materials like tin rods and bricks. A large contingent of police personnel was deployed on the premises and the situation was normal. The police is also constructing four watch towers to monitor the premises considering the vast area on which the plant was supposed to be built.
Earlier, Justice Pal had asked for a report on the maintenance of law and order and details of police deployment in the abandoned small car maker plant after the company counsel quoted media reports and presented photographs suggesting pilferage and looting of goods from the factory.
