In a separate development, sources disclosed that the hearings on the case are expected to begin in July as the government would be sending its reply next month to Suzuki Motors' submission. The government has sought for more time from the tribunal as it has not framed its reply as yet, sources said. The replies were to be sent last week. Sources said that the government has nearly finalised Desai as its counsel after seeking the law ministry's view on the matter. The government had sought the ministry's opinion last month.

Ideally, sources pointed out that the attorney-general of India Soli Sorabjee would have represented the government as its counsel as in all government cases. In the Maruti case, however, it is understood that Sorabjee declined as he had worked onassignments with Suzuki Motors in the past. Ashok Desai who was the attorney general during the UF regime was supposed to have been the government's counsel. But uncertainty arose when Sorabjee took over as the AG with the change of the government. Industry watchers pointed out that the dispute may now be settled at the ICA. At present, indications are that negotiations for an out-of-court settlement have failed as the two majority share-holders of MUL -- government and SMC could not resolve the dispute.