Sterlite asked to apply afresh for police cover

Hearing a petition filed by Sterlite Copper seeking protection for its premises and employees in Thoothukudi following massive protests against its expansion plan, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the company to give a fresh representation to the Thoothukudi police.

It also directed the police to consider the representation of the company. Justice D. Krishnakumar then disposed of the petition filed by the company.

The petitioner, A. Satyapriya, General Manager (Legal), said that the commissioning of an additional unit would make the Thoothukudi plant the largest copper smelting unit in India.

He added that the plant was operational in Thoothukudi for over 20 years and contributed to the income of the State. He said that necessary approvals and clearances had been obtained for the expansion.

‘Baseless rumours’

The petitioner said that police protection was needed as “baseless rumours and false propaganda” were being spread which could result in untoward incidents. Senior Counsel Satish Parasaran, representing Vedanta, which owns Sterlite Copper, said that political parties were trying to gain mileage out of the protests.

He added that people with vested interests were inciting violence against the company. Additional Advocate General K. Chellapandian told the court that necessary police protection was already provided. The Thoothukudi police had given protection in the past following representations.