Is Bharathi Cements Being Targeted?
Questions are being raised over whether the Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is targeting Bharathi Cements, a business associated with the family of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Allegations have surfaced that attempts are being made to disrupt the company’s operations by creating obstacles to the movement of raw materials required for cement production.
Bharathi Cements has been operating since 2007 after obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant statutory authorities. The latest dispute has drawn attention after the company approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, alleging interference with its lawful operations.
High Court Orders Police Protection
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the police to provide protection to Bharathi Cements and ensure that its lawful business activities are not obstructed.
The company’s plant is located at Nallalingayapalle in the Yerraguntla–Kamalapuram region of Kadapa district. The company approached the court after alleged disruptions affected the movement of employees, vehicles, materials and other operational activities.
The court observed that the company had been carrying out its operations since 2007 after obtaining the required permissions from the competent authorities.
Court Highlights Employment and Revenue Contribution
The High Court noted that the cement plant operates in a drought-prone region and provides employment opportunities to local people. According to the submissions placed before the court, the company provides direct and indirect employment to a large number of people.
The court also referred to the company’s contribution to government revenues through direct and indirect taxes, which was stated to be around ₹7,300 crore.
The court observed that forcibly preventing a company from carrying out its lawful business activities and restricting the movement of people and vehicles could have serious consequences for the management, employees, their families and the state exchequer.
Police Responsibility to Maintain Law and Order
The High Court questioned the alleged failure of the police to act despite complaints regarding groups obstructing the company’s activities.
The court made it clear that maintaining law and order and preventing violence, threats, intimidation and other unlawful activities are fundamental responsibilities of the police.
It further observed that lawful industrial operations cannot be suddenly and forcibly stopped without a valid legal basis.
Mining Permissions and Other Approvals
The court noted that Bharathi Cements had obtained the necessary prior permissions from the concerned departments, including the Mining Department, for its operations.
According to the observations made in the proceedings, there were no identified legal restrictions preventing the company from transporting materials, continuing production or carrying out other lawful activities.
The court also referred to earlier orders of the lower court restraining contract workers or their supporters from obstructing the company’s operations, vehicles, employees, officials and movement of materials.
Company Claims Daily Loss of ₹4–6 Crore
During the proceedings, the counsel representing Bharathi Cements reportedly submitted that the disruptions were causing losses of approximately ₹4 crore to ₹6 crore per day.
The company’s counsel also argued that the alleged inaction by the police and district administration was creating a law-and-order situation. Concerns were raised over the safety of permanent employees and their families residing within the industrial premises.
Court Refers to Indian Cements Case
Justice Kuncham Maheshwar Rao also referred to observations made by the same High Court in the Indian Cements versus State of Andhra Pradesh matter.
The court observed that an industrial establishment providing employment to a large number of workers and contributing revenue to the state should not be forced to shut down merely because of labour protests.
The judge stressed that the police should take appropriate steps to prevent violence, obstruction and disturbances and ensure that industries are able to conduct their lawful activities peacefully.
Industrial Peace Is the Responsibility of Police
The High Court emphasized that maintaining industrial peace is an important responsibility of the police. It observed that industries contributing to the state’s economy should not be placed in a situation where they are forced to shut down because of disruptions.
The court directed that lawful operations of Bharathi Cements should not be obstructed through violence, threats or unlawful activities.
Next Hearing on October 5
Justice Kuncham Maheshwar Rao adjourned the matter to October 5 for further hearing.
Meanwhile, allegations that the dispute involving contract workers is being used to interfere with the company’s operations have triggered political debate. Critics have alleged that there could be political motives behind the developments, while the issue is now before the court.
The High Court’s directions have therefore brought renewed focus on the dispute surrounding Bharathi Cements, the alleged obstruction of its operations and the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that lawful industrial activity continues without unlawful interference.
