There have been protests against the cola giants

Coca-Cola and its rival Pepsi are contesting bans on their products arising from a watchdog report alleging they contain high levels of pesticides.

Both firms strenuously deny the accusations and say they threaten their right to do business in the country.

On Monday, Delhi's High Court ordered the government to test Pepsi samples in its laboratories and report its findings in three weeks.

The Indian health ministry has already ordered independent tests - a move which has been welcomed by the two companies.

No interference

In its petition before the Supreme Court, Coca-Cola said local authorities in three Indian states had banned its drinks on the basis of the report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

But the Supreme Court declined to interfere while another court was considering the case, Coca-Cola India's lawyer said.

PepsiCo India said the allegations were intended to spread panic

"The judges asked us to go to a lower court first," he said.

The CSE alleged that pesticide levels in some samples of Pepsi and Coca-Cola drinks were respectively 36 and 30 times higher than European Union safety standards.

The report suggested the contamination came from polluted ground water, and that Indian soft drink brands also contained high levels of pesticide.

The publication of the report led to strong reactions across the country.

The Indian parliament banned its cafeterias from serving Pepsi and Coke while the defence ministry issued a circular ordering all its clubs to stop selling the drinks.

The companies responded by stressing their products had passed stringent quality tests by accredited Indian and international laboratories.