Duncan Industries today filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the decision of the Commerce Ministry to take over seven of its tea gardens.
In its appeal, the Kolkata-based company claimed that the Centre has no right to take over its tea gardens.
In a notification dated January 28, the Commerce Ministry had said "... The central government hereby authorises the Tea Board to take immediate steps to take over the management or the control of the seven tea estates".
It also said the government is of the considered opinion that these tea gardens are being managed in a manner "highly detrimental" to the tea industry and to public interest.
The matter is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow.
