Dunlop India (DIL) chairman Pawan Kumar Ruia has said that the firm would have no option but to close the Sahaganj unit of the company if the government fails to restore power supply to the unit within a fortnight.

Mr Ruia added: "The electricity dues got accumulated much before we took over the company. We do not know why the electricity connection was not disconnected when the dues remained unpaid for five years before we took-over. We heard lot of people ran business taking illegal connection from Sahaganj unit."

It should be recalled that the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) had disconnected the power line of DIL earlier this year, following its failure to pay dues amounting to Rs 13 crore. The company, which filed a petition in the court for restoration of power supply, is now ready for out-of-the-court settlement of the dispute.

The court is likely to deliver judgment next week, and the firm, having 1176 employees in Sahaganj unit, plans to appeal in the High Court if the judgment goes against it.

The Dunlop chairman added: "We are now waiting for the judgment. If it goes against us then we shall definitely appeal in High Court. But we cannot wait indefinitely without power connection. I have set a timeline of 15 days for this."