Sterlite Copper to move HC against SC's closure order

Vedanta-owned Sterlite Copper on Monday said it would move the Madras High Court seeking urgent hearing of its petition to quash the Tamil Nadu Government’s order shutting down the plant in Thoothukudi on apex court advice.

Sterlite Copper CEO P Ramnath said the Supreme Court has only spoken about the “maintainability” of the NGT order and not about the “merits” of it.

“The order by the National Green Tribunal dated December 15 has been set aside by the Supreme Court solely on the grounds of maintainability, but we have been granted liberty to approach the Madras High Court for suitable remedy,” Ramnath said in a statement.

He said Sterlite Copper will decide the way forward after going through the Supreme Court order in detail, in consultation with the legal team.

“We would like to reiterate that Sterlite Copper has always been an environmentally compliant and conscious company for the past two decades. We will remain committed to excellence in health, safety & environment aspects of our operations. We will continue to work with our stakeholders and the people of Thoothukudi to reinforce our commitment towards inclusive growth of Thoothukudi and the nation at large,” he said.

Govt claims victory

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government proclaimed victory after the Supreme Court struck down the NGT order that allowed reopening of Sterlite. “The government will fight the legal battle, if necessary, to ensure that Sterlite plant remains shut,” Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam said.