Hearing resumes in HC Vedanta’s plea to reopen Sterlite

Senior counsel G Masilamani appearing before the division bench comprising Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Bhavani Subbarayan on behalf of Vedanta contended that policy decision taken in a case of momentary administrative crisis may be politically right but not legally right.

He further submitted that policy decision to close the plant has not been passed pursuant to any scientific study. Subject of pollution is occupied by extensive legislation like Air Act, Water Act and Environment Act and hence permanent closure is possible only when pollution is proved beyond doubt.

Merely citing closure in public interest would not suffice and it must be proven with facts and protests on social media must be indicators to government but that can’t be the basis for permanent closure, the senior counsel submitted. Pleadings are set to continue on Wednesday. The bench refused to entertain MDMK leader Vaiko’s plea to allow him to make his submission in favour of Sterlite’s closure on Friday.