Madras High Court stays extension of Sterlite plant at Thuthukkudi

Chennai, May 23: Madras High Court has taken a stand for its state people the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the extension of the plant of Sterlite Copper industry in Thuthukkudi, Tamil Nadu. Disposing of a petition in this regard, a High court bench ordered that all works in this regard must be stopped immediately.

The bench also ordered that a public hearing should be held regarding the functioning and extension of the industry within four months. The court has also asked the central Government to provide details about the approval given for extension activities of the industry. The case has been adjourned till 13th of next month.

Meanwhile, the state government has issued orders appointing retired High Court Justice Aruna Jagadeesan as the single member inquiry commission into the police firing incident in Thuthukkudi yesterday. At the same time, the state administration in Tamil Nadu has declared prohibitory orders under Rule 144 in the violence-hit Thuthukudi for 72 hours, starting today morning. For the second consecutive day today, shops have downed shutters while buses and autos are still off the road.

The police force has been strengthened throughout the district. Extra security has also been provided to the Government Medical College Hospital where injured are being treated.

District administration has confirmed that ten persons, including two women, died following police action against protesters demanding the closure of Sterlite Copper Smelter, near Thuthukkudi Collectorate on Tuesday and in this regard the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC today issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government.

The Commission in the notice has sought replies from Chief Secretary and Director General of Police within two weeks. The Commission observed that the authorities probably failed to foresee the tragic violence which took place.

The protests demanding the closure of Sterlite Industries entered the 101st day today. Protesters have called attention to the environmental and health hazards posed by the copper mining and smelting industry.