Chennai: The Vedanta Group, running the Sterlite Copper factory in Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, has moved the Madras High Court to direct the government to allow its re-opening.
While passing orders on the Tamilnadu government plea against the National Green Tribunal giving the green light to re-open the copper smelter sealed following public protests, the Supreme Court had advised the Vedanta Group to approach the Madras High Court for relief.
Following the suggestion the Vedanta Group filed a petition in court today, praying to give directions to the government to re-open the copper smelter.
The factory was sealed by the government and its power and water supply cut following police firing on protesters on the 100th day of the stir seeking to close down the factory. They alleged that the untreated effluents were ruining the water resources and the polluted air was leading to a spike in cancer cases and deaths.
When the protest turned violent in Thoothukudi, the police opened fire, killing several people.