HC directs police to allow anti-Sterlite meeting by AMMK

The Madras High Court today directed the police to allow AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran to hold a public meeting demanding closure of the Sterlite plant in Tuticorin district.

A division bench of Justices A Selvam and Basheer Ahamed passed the order on a writ petition filed by Henry Thomas of Tuticorin.

Directing the petitioner to file a fresh application, the bench said it should be considered by the Superintendent of Police, Tuticorin, before April 13 and permission be given to conduct the meeting on April 17.

When the matter came up, the petitioner submitted that a representation was made to the SP seeking permission for the meeting.

However, the SP rejected the same on the ground that law and order would be affected.

The petitioner said they were willing to hold the meeting according to the guidelines of the high court.

Sterlite Copper represents the copper unit of Vedanta Limited which operates a 400,000 tonnes per annum-plant in Tuticorin.

The district has been witnessing several protests by locals and others against the Sterlite Copper plant there and its proposed expansion.

Protesters have alleged that the plant was polluting ground water in their area.