Madras HC in Petition to vendata held that Closure of Sterlite copper plant at Thoothukudi was a colourable exercise of power

The Madras High Court bench of Justices TS Sivaganaman and the Bhavani Subbaroyan commenced hearing in the plea filed by Vendata to reopen it's Sterlite copper plant at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Appearing for Vendata Senior Advocate Aryama Sundaram centered his arguments around the contention that closure of the plant by Tamil Nadu Government last year was only a politically motivated resopone meant to appease the agitating public.

He further asserted that what motivated them was not the preservation to the environment. What motivated them was not to safeguard against pollution. What motivated them was not to ensure that the company was complaint with pollution control norms. The aim was not to subserve the environment but it was a colourable exercise of power.