Plachimada s protracted battle
October 8, 1999: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited (HCBPL) applies to Perumatty panchayat for setting up a bottling plant at Plachimada.
January 27, 2000: Panchayat gives permission to Coke for setting up the plant and installing 2,600-horsepower electric motor to run the unit.
Early 2002: Villagers around the plant notice changes in water quality.
April 22, 2002: Residents of the area launch an agitation against Coke.
April 7, 2003: Perumatty panchayat decides to cancel HCBPL's licence.
April 9, 2003: Panchayat issues notice to HCBPL.
April 22, 2003: Objection petition filed by Coke in Kerala High Court (HC).
May 6, 2003: Coke representatives appear for a hearing at the panchayat office.
May 15, 2003: Panchayat sticks to its earlier decision.
May 16, 2003: HC directs Coke to file appeal petition in front of an "appropriate authority'and stays lease cancellation.
May 22, 2003: Coke approaches the state's local self-government department (LSGD).
June 11, 2003: LSGD holds hearing. Panchayat, Coke representatives attend.
September 18, 2003: Panchayat issues second notice to the company.
October 6, 2003: HCBPL files a second petition in HC. Told to reply to the show-cause notice.
October 8, 2003: Coke gives written reply.
October 13, 2003: LSGD passes interim order, questioning the panchayat's action of cancelling Coke's licence. It asks the panchayat to form a committee of experts.
October 29, 2003: Panchayat moves the HC against LSGD's order.
November 3, 2003: Panchayat asks a set of 16 questions from HCBPL and tells the company's representatives to appear before it with all supporting documents and reports.
November 13, 2003: Coke requests the panchayat not to hold the hearing.
November 14, 2003: HC dismisses Coke's second petition and asks it to appear before the panchayat on November 17.
November 17, 2003: HCBPL representatives turn up without documents at the panchayat's office. They ask questions about the panchayat's findings.