Setback for Vedanta, SC refuses to allow re-opening of Tuticorin plant

In a big setback for Vedanta, the Supreme Court has refused to allow the firm to restart the contentious Tuticorin copper, which was at the centre of massive protests over pollution concerns, but directed it to approach the Madras High Court for reprieve.

Setting aside an National Green Tribunal order that had allowed Vedanta to restart the plant, a bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said the company can seek an urgent hearing in the case from the High Court.

In its December 15 order, the NGT had set aside the Tamil Nadu Government’s order closing down the Vedanta-owned Sterlite Copper factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government had appealed to the Supreme court against this order.


The court said NGT has no jurisdiction to order reopening of the plant. The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.

On January 8, the apex court had paved the way to re-open the plant by refusing to stay the tribunal's order.

The Vedanta-owned Sterlite Factory was shut in 2013 on complaints of causing harm to the environment. It was reopened after the Supreme Court ruled in its favour but directed it to spend Rs 100 crore to safeguard the environment in the area.

At least 13 people were killed and several injured on May 22 last year when police opened fire on people protesting against the environment pollution being caused by the unit.

Six days later, the Tamil Nadu government ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the plant.