The Supreme court has dismissed the National Green Tribunal's order to reopen Sterlite factory in Thoothukudi, in a sensational verdict declared today. There had been widespread protests against Sterlite copper factory that had been operational in Thoothukudi, as it caused health hazards to people around the locality and also impacting the environment.

The protests had been happening peacefully, and on the 100th day, police opened fire on May 22, 2018, leading to the death of 13 protesters, and a tense situation prevailed, following which on May 28, the TN Government had ordered the closure and permanent sealing of Sterlite. However, Vedanta group appealed against the closure and a team set by the National Green tribunal declared that there was no problem to the environment due to Sterlite.

On December 15,National Green Tribunal ordered the reopening of Sterlite, and this was followed by TN govt appealing that the tribunal had no authority to handle the case, and Vedanta also appealing TN govt to issue an order to reopen Sterlite. The hearing of the plea came today, and the verdict was pronounced that Green Tribunal does not possess the authority to order reopening of Sterlite, and if needed Vedanta can move to Chennai high court in the issue. This verdict has made Sterlite protesters happy.