SC orders Sterlite copper plant to stay shut

A batch of appeal was filed against the National Green Tribunal verdict. The Supreme Court refused to allow reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu and directed petitioners to approach Madras High Court.

A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman said it is allowing Tamil Nadu's appeal against the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order only on grounds of maintainability. 

The Supreme Court clearly stated that the NGT cannot overrule the decision made by Tamil Nadu government.

The NGT constituted Tarun Aggarwal's committee to probe into the issue. Based on the recommendation of the committee, the NGT set aside the Tamil Nadu government's order to permanently close the smelting company Vedanta's Sterlite Copper plant, saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified.

The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and permanently close Vedanta's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

At least 13 people lost their lives and several injured during the 100th day of the protest on May 22, when police had opened fire on a huge crowd protesting against the plant.