May 23,2018: The Madras High Court today stayed the extension of the plant of Sterlite Copper industry at Thuthukkudi where ten people were killed and 95 injured in police firing on protesters yesterday.
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 case has been adjourned till the 13th of next month.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy has ordered an inquiry by a retired high court judge into the firing incident. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has asked the state government to provide details of the incident. Locals have been demanding closure of Stertlite Copper mining industry in Thuthukkudi, expressing serious environmental concerns.
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC today issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government over the death of people at Thuthukkudi. Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the Commission has sought replies from Chief Secretary and Director General of Police within two weeks. (AIR News)