Case Commentary: Sterlite Industries (India) Limited Vs. Union Of India 2013 (4) SCC 575 – Environmental Violations In Tuticorin
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 31, 2024
- 1 min read
Mayank Upadhyay, BBA LLB, Delhi Metropolitan Education, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka
INTRODUCTION
The case of Sterlite Industries (India) ltd. v. Union of India (2013) also referred as the Sterlite Tuticorin case, centers around environmental violations by Sterlite Industries situated in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. This 2013 Supreme Court judgement addressed some of the critical issues related to Environmental pollution, corporate responsibility and role of government in enforcing government regulations. This landmark case also highlights the conflict between economic interests and environmental sustainability, by raising questions about industrial regulations in India, particularly concerning hazardous emissions, compliance with environmental standards and community health impacts.
BRIEF INFORMATION
“Case Title: Sterlite Industries (India) Limited vs. Union of India (2013)
Citation: 2013 (4) SCC 575
Judgement Date: 2nd April 2013
Court: Supreme Court
Also known as: Sterlite Tuticorin Case ]
Bench: Justice A.K. Patnaik and Justice H.L. Gokhale”
FACTUAL BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
In Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, Sterlite Industries, a division of Vedanta Resources, ran a copper smelting plant. The factory has been accused of many environmental pollution and regulatory norm violations throughout the years, particularly with regard to hazardous waste management, air and water pollution, and noncompliance with environmental approvals. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) finally ordered the plant's shutdown after residents and environmental organizations continuously voiced concerns about the plant's effects on the surrounding ecology and public health. This order was challenged by Sterlite Industries, and the matter made it all the way to the Supreme Court.
Comments