TN govt files caveat petition in SC over Sterlite dispute

The Tamil Nadu government has reportedly filed a caveat petition before the Supreme Court in connection with the dispute over the closure of Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi. The move comes amid reports that Vedanta Resources may challenge the state government’s order to shut down its smelter.

The Tamil Nadu government earlier ordered the closure of the plant following the killing of at least 13 persons in the police firing in Thoothukudi at the anti-Sterlite protesters. The people protested saying the emissions from the smelter caused environmental degradation and affected the health of the people living in the surroundings.

Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal had termed the closure ‘unfortunate development’ and said that the company will decide on the future course of action in due time. While locals claim the effluents from the smelter caused cancer and other diseases, Agarwal said that the allegations are false.