Madras HC stays expansion of Sterlite plant

The Madurai bench of Madras High Court has reportedly ordered a stay on the expansion works of Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi. The court’s order has been passed based on a petition filed by Professor Fathima against the expansion works. The petitioner claimed that the plant’s expansion works are carried out at a place different from the permitted one.

The bench, consisting of judges Sundar and Anitha Sumanth, also ordered to conduct a people’s referendum on the expansion. The court also directed the Centre to consider the petition by Vedanta Resources for environmental clearance and take a decision in four months.

The court’s order comes a day after police firing in Thoothukudi killed at least protesters who demanded the closure of the Sterlite plant alleging environmental and health hazards.