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Environment is supreme than economy – Madras High Court
Why is it in News?
- Madras HC refuses to allow reopening of Vedanta-owned Sterlite plant in TN's Thoothukudi on ground ‘Environment is supreme to economic considerations’.
Details:
- History:
(1) Smelting operations at Tuticorin have been halted since April 2018, after the TNPCB rejected the CTO (Consent to Operate).
(2) The state government issued orders to permanently seal the copper smelter plant.
(3) In response to Vedanta’s appeal, the NGT in December 2018 had set aside the TN government’s order, and had directed the TNPCB to renew the CTO.
(4) However, in February 2019, the Supreme Court set aside the NGT’s order on grounds of maintainability.
(5) The apex court gave Vedanta the liberty to approach the Madras HC with a writ petition challenging the impugned orders.
- HC judgement:
(1) Economic considerations would have no role to play while deciding the sustainability of a highly polluting industry.
(2) The only consideration would be with regard to safeguarding the environment.
(3) It dismissed Vedanta’s argument that India’s economy was hit by high imports and demand for copper could not be met.