Talking about the Closure order issued by the state government, Palaniswami accused Vedanta Group of violations of the norms. Justifying action taken by TN government, EPS said, “Sterlite is a private company. Since they have violated the law, the government has closed it”.

Rejecting the closure order of Tamil Nadu government, On December 15, National Green Tribunal cleared the desk for the Vedanta Group's Sterlite plant at Tuticorin.

On May 22, a massive protest against the Sterlite plant was irrupted in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. The violent clash between police and protesters claimed the lives of 13 people. Near about 60 people were injured during the violent protest. Responding to public sentiments, Tamil Nadu government ordered the closure of Sterlite plant at Tuticorin.