HC quashes NSA invoked against anti-Sterlite protester

Hearing a habeas corpus writ petition filed by Hariragavan’s wife Sathyabhama challenging her husband’s detention under the NSA, a Division Bench of Justices CT Selvam and AM Basheer sought an explanation from Thoothukudi Collector Sandep Nanduri, who appeared before bench on Wednesday, for the passing of the orders to invoke the NSA against Hariragavan. He was booked under the NSA on July 26. 

Meanwhile, Additional Advocate General Chellapandian argued that the documents concerning the detention of Hariragavan under the provisions of the NSA were presented on July 20 to the Collector, who signed it on July 26. On recognising the importance of the Collector’s signature, the two-judge bench cited that it could change not only an individual’s freedom but also the fate. Stating that the accused may have to spend several months in jail due to the detention, the bench advised the Collector should take a decision considering the current situation, prior to passing such order. 

In the wake of the violence that broke out during the anti-Sterlite rally in Thoothukudi on May 22 and 23, as many as 92 cases were booked by police against Hariragavan. He was arrested and jailed in Palayamkottai central prison after he surrendered before Madurai District court on July 6. Later, he was given bail on July 24 after his bail plea was accepted.

Two workers engaged in the process of removing chemicals and acids from the Sterlite Copper unit at Thoothukudi suffered injuries on Wednesday. The victims were identified as Balasubramanian (39) of Ganesan Colony and Jesuraj (31) of Athimarapatti. Collector Sandeep Nanduri, said the injuries were caused by spillage of acid while cleaning an acid pipe. While Balasubramanian suffered minor injury, Jesuraj suffered 10 per cent burns and was taken to a private hospital in Madurai. After closure of the Sterlite plant, hazardous chemicals were being evacuated as per the recommendations of a high-powered technical committee. About 99 per cent of such chemicals have been removed from the plant and operations are on to completely evacuate such hazardous chemicals, he said.