In a big relief for Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Limited, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday refused to stay an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directing to re-open the Sterlite copper plant in Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu.

A bench, headed by Justice R F Nariman, sought response from Vedanta on the state government's appeal against the NGT's order to reopen the plant.

However, SC has agreed to hear the state government’s plea against the re-opening of the plant.

Tamil Nadu had moved the apex court against the NGT verdict that set aside the state government order to close the plant at Tuticorin.

On December 15, 2018, the NGT had set aside the Tamil Nadu government order for closure of the Sterlite copper plant, saying it was "non sustainable" and "unjustified".

Thirteen people were killed in police firing on May 22-23 after the 99-day long protest by the locals against Sterlite turned violent and government properties came under attack. The protesters were demanding closure of the plant citing pollution concerns.