Supreme Court refuses to stay NGT order; Reopening of Sterlite Plant cleared

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday refused to stay the order passed by the National Green Tribune that had allowed the reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi. This has now cleared the way for Vedanta to reopen its copper smelter.

The National Green Tribune in December had dismissed Tamil Nadu's government to shut down Sterlite plant. However, the state government filed a plea against the order stating that the tribunal had no jurisdiction in the matter.

Sterlite plant was ordered to be shut down by Tamil Nadu after violent protests in Thoothukudi in May which led to the death of 13 people.