Supreme Court stays order on closure of Sterlite unit

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Madras High Court's interim order on closure of Sterlite's copper smelting plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

This stay will be in operation till the date of next hearing on October 18.  

Sterlite Industries had earlier approached Supreme Court seeking a stay of the Madras High Court order to close its copper smelting plant in Tuticorin. The company also filed a review petition in the Madras High Court seeking three weeks time to implement its order, saying the plant producing sulphuric and phosphoric acid cannot be shut down instantly.

A division bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered the closure of the plant holding that the plant was within 25 km of an ecologically fragile area. The court also said the employees were entitled to compensation as provided for under Section 25-FFF of the Industrial Disputes Act.

The court also directed Tuticorin District Collector to take necessary steps for re-employment of the workforce in other companies so as to protect their livelihood, to the extent possible, keeping in view their educational and technical qualifications and experience.

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The company also filed a review petition in the Madras High Court seeking three weeks time to implement its order, saying the plant producing sulphuric and phosphoric acid cannot be shut down instantly.