Sterlite import data sought: Madurai High Court

Prince Cardoza, a resident of Thoothukudi in a public interest litigation petition filed before a Division Bench of Justices MM Sundareesh and N Satheesh Kumar claimed that the copper smelter plant, which came into existence in Thoothukudi in 1995, misrepresented facts over its functionalities and did not pay attention to protect the environment from pollution.

Even when the Union government authorities inspected during February this year, no such irregularities were brought to light. The height of chimney stack meant for emitting smoke inside the plant was not maintained at permissible limit. Plans to discharge industrial effluents including mercury were not effectively laid. 

Moreover, groundwater surrounding the plant was exposed to contamination and samples collected from 15 villages proved unfit for drinking. Hence, the Union and state governments should cancel licence granted to this copper smelter plant, the petitioner prayed. Further, the petitioner counsel argued that Sterlite imported untreated raw material, which was treated inside the plant.

The Bench should order the company seeking its clarification on the treatment of effluents, including mercury, to find causes of problems affecting people in the surroundings.  On hearing the petition, the Bench sought the Commissioner of Customs on the data of raw material imported by Sterlite.