The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition filed by Vedanta Group company Sterlite Copper for access to its closed smelter in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, for carrying out maintenance.
The company's copper smelter in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, was shut down last year after 13 protesters died in police firing. Anil Agarwal-led company had moved the apex court on April 11, seeking access to the plant for maintenance. The company had added that due to inordinate delay in the hearing, it was facing a loss of nearly Rs 5 crore every day.
The company also challenged the Madras High Court order that declined to give an early hearing on its interim application and the main petitions relating to the Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board’s (TNPCB) order to shut down the plant. “We are not here to control the High Court,” a Bench, headed by Justice RF Nariman, said, after which the firm withdrew its plea.
