On February 29, the Supreme Court rejected Vedanta’s request for the reopening of its Sterlite copper smelter plant in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the paramount importance of sustainable development and the well-being of local residents.
After a five-day hearing, the court handed down its verdict, citing Vedanta’s failure to meet legal obligations, such as the removal of copper slabs from multiple sites, non-compliance with consent conditions for gypsum operations, and the absence of authorization for hazardous waste disposal.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, acknowledged that shutting down industries is not the preferred course of action. However, he highlighted the persistent breaches of laws and regulations, leaving authorities with no alternative but to close the plant.
During earlier proceedings, the court had proposed forming an expert committee to assess the possibility of reopening the plant. Vedanta had agreed to this proposal and suggested certain parameters. However, both the Tamil Nadu government and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) opposed the idea.
History of the Case:
In 2018, the Tamil Nadu government ordered the closure of Sterlite Copper following violent protests that resulted in 13 deaths due to police firing, citing environmental norm violations.
At the time of its closure, the plant was a major producer, contributing over 400,000 tonnes of metal ores annually and accounting for 40 percent of India’s copper output. It employed 5,000 people directly and 25,000 indirectly.
Vedanta challenged the government’s decision, leading to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) permitting the plant to reopen. However, the Supreme Court overturned this decision, directing Vedanta to seek interim relief from the Madras High Court.
Neither the Madras High Court nor the Supreme Court granted permission for the plant’s reopening. Vedanta has subsequently filed a plea requesting periodic access to carry out essential maintenance work due to the plant’s significant deterioration.
In April 2023, the Supreme Court allowed Vedanta to conduct maintenance work based on a report from a high-power Committee formed by the Tamil Nadu government to assess the plant’s structural and civil safety.
