Madras High Court Asks Tamil Nadu Government to Submit Evidence of Sterlite Copper Plant Case

In a major twist to the Sterlite copper plant case, the Madras High Court on Wednesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to submit video clips and other necessary documentary and pieces of evidence related to the protests at the Sterlite copper plant Thoothukudi, on May 22.

It may be mentioned that On May 22 last, 13 protestors were killed in the firing by security personnel during the agitation. A division bench of Justices AM Basheer Ahmed and CT Selvam asked the government to submit details of the intelligence report on July 18 on the agitation.

The Madras High Court was hearing a petition filed by lawyer AWD Tilak, who had sought a copy of the prohibitory orders issued for parts of the coastal town on May 22. He stated that the protests had been peaceful for 99 days before that. The district collector was not in town on the day of the protest and the plea was pointed out. The petitioner stated that residents of Thoothukudi were put under too much suffering, and people were set back.

Meanwhile, multiple cases are being filed against individuals. Six people have already been arrested for their alleged involvement in the brutality and have been booked under the National Security Act.