Political parties in Tamil Nadu welcomed the Supreme Court order on the Sterlite issue on Monday.
Law Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam said, “The verdict is a victory for the Tamil Nadu government. We will face it (the case, if Sterlite Copper appeals against the verdict) in the court.”
DMK president M.K. Stalin, while welcoming the verdict, said the judgment was “very technical”. “The order is only a temporary reprieve given by the Supreme Court,” he said.
“This order of the Supreme Court provides some consolation to the people of Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government should ensure that it fights the case in the courts and gets a final resolution to the issue,” TNCC president K.S. Alagiri said.
MDMK chief Vaiko said, “Today is one of the happiest days in my life. I am flying in the skies of happiness. I have fought against this polluting plant for the past 22 years.”
CPI(M) State general secretary K. Balakrishnan, while welcoming the verdict, referred to the case of activist Mugilan, who is said to have gone missing. “It is very worrying to hear that he has been missing since the night of February 15. We insist that his whereabouts be ascertained and he be rescued immediately,” he said.
AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran said the order was a victory for the people’s struggle. “We will stand [as] one with the people of Thoothukudi and raise our voice till the plant is shut down permanently,” he said.
VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan said the State government should immediately adopt a policy decision on the issue.
PMK founder S. Ramadoss said the Supreme Court order was a victory for the State.
DMDK leader Vijayakant, TMC president G.K. Vasan and AISMK leader R. Sarathkumar welcomed the apex court order.
Commending the Supreme Court verdict, Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri on Monday reiterated that the State government would pursue all legal options available to ensure that the plant remains shut. “We are very happy with the judgment, and the people of Thoothukudi are happy,” he said.
The advocates representing the State government had put forward strong arguments, he added.
A decision on continuing the evacuation of materials from the plant would be taken by the government and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the Collector said.
Activists elated
Meanwhile, activists welcomed the judgment by distributing sweets and bursting crackers.
Welcoming the verdict, anti-Sterlite activist Fatima Babu said she will implead herself in the case if it comes up before the High Court, adding that the fight will continue till the plant is closed permanently.
M. Krishnamoorthy, of the Anti-Sterlite Tamils Federation, while welcoming the judgment, urged the State government to pass special legislation and ensure that the plant is closed permanently.
CEO’s response
“The order by the NGT has been set aside by the Supreme Court solely on the grounds of maintainability. But we have been granted the liberty to approach the Madras High Court for suitable remedy… After going through the Supreme Court order in detail, in consultation with our legal team, we will decide our way forward on this matter,” CEO of Sterlite Copper P. Ramnath said in a press release.
