In a major setback for Vedanta Group-owned Sterlite plant, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to allow the reopening of the plant in Tuticorin. Considering Tamil Nadu government's appeal on grounds of maintainability, the apex court ruled that the NGT had no jurisdiction to order reopening of the plant.
At the same time, the Supreme Court added that Vedanta had the liberty to approach the Madras High Court with its plea for reopening of the plant expeditiously.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had on December 15, 2018 allowed reopening of Sterlite plant.
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The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.
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 had ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the plant.
(With inputs from agencies)
