India: Tribunal ruling against Coca-Cola

The local assembly in the state of Kerala yesterday approved a bill setting up a tribunal to look into compensation claims by residents complaining that a Coca-Cola bottling plant caused environmental damage.

The Indian wing of the US drinks company has denied the accusations, which date back to 2003, and said it was "disappointed" with the decision, the Press Trust of India reported.

In 2006, the state banned the fizzy drink over allegations it contained pesticides, but Coca-Cola had that decision overturned in Kerala's high court.