The plant was shut down by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (PCB) in 2018 citing violations of environmental laws.
The closure order was passed immediately after the plant had turned into a protest site, with citizens opposing the expansion of the plant. The order was supported by the State government. The protest took a violent turn on its 100th day when police opened fire on the protesters, leading to several civilian casualties.
Vedanta subsequently challenged the closure order before the National Green Tribunal, which ruled in the company’s favour and allowed the re-opening of the plant.
In February 2019, the Supreme Court set aside the NGT order on the ground that the Tribunal did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the case. However, Vedanta was allowed to move the Madras High Court against the orders passed against it.
The High Court then rejected the plea, prompting the present appeal before the Supreme Court.
Source: Barandbench
