Chennai, 04 January (H.S.) : The Madras High Court has stated that Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper unit is free to file fresh applications before the competent authorities in Tamil Nadu regarding its proposal to establish a green copper plant in Thoothukudi.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan heard a writ petition filed by Vedanta, which sought directions for the state government to decide on its representations for starting green copper initiatives by modifying its original industrial process.

During the proceedings, the counsel representing the state government highlighted that the industry was previously closed due to breaches of consent and other violations, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court.

The state argued that if the petitioner intends to recommence operations, they must file proper applications before the relevant authorities rather than sending representations to the Chief Secretary.

The court noted that the pendency of the current petition would not prevent the company from moving fresh applications, and authorities remain free to take a decision on such requests.

Authorities from the state government emphasized that any new proposal must follow formal regulatory channels. Meanwhile, legal experts associated with citizen groups supporting sustainable initiatives suggested that this development paves the way for a formal application process.

They expressed hope that a green copper manufacturing facility could demonstrate that industrial growth and environmental sustainability are compatible. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 29, 2026, to consider this petition alongside a related pending matter from 2019.

The case involves multiple respondents, including the Union Ministry of Environment and the Central Pollution Control Board.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary