SC to hear Vedanta’s plea to reopen Sterlite plant on Jan 29

The state government and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader, Vaiko, who was present in the court on Thursday, opposed Vedanta’s request, saying it cannot be done unlesspollution norms are complied with.

Vaiko also submitted to the court that people were killed in police firing during a protest against the plant in May last year.

To this, the bench of Justices RF Nariman and Navin Sinha objected to his statements and said he should focus on legal aspects of the case and not digress from the main issue.Vaiko, however, continued. He said he represents the people of the area and blood was split on streets.

“You please keep your voice modulated. Don’t shout at the court. We will not hear your speeches. You can go on your own trip or stick to answering our questions. We hear legal arguments here. Come straight away to the point,” the bench said.

The court initially indicated it may pass an interim order directing the state government to open the plant and provide electricity if the company complies with the conditions laid down by the National Green Tribunal to curb pollution.

But the court later deferred the plea for hearing on January 29, along with the appeal filed by Tamil Nadu against the December 15 NGT order setting aside the government’s decision to close the plant.

The NGT had said the state government’s decision was “non-sustainable” and “unjustified”.

At the outset, the bench had asked senior advocate CA Sundaram, appearing for Vedanta, what were their immediate grievances.

Sundaram said they were not being provided electricity and the company can only comply with the conditions laid down by NGT if there was electricity to operate. He said it takes 30 to 60 days for the plant to start production.