The Sterlite Industries' appeal, challenging Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's order directing closure of its copper smelter plant at Tuticorin, was today transferred from the National Green Tribunal's Southern Bench here to the Principal Bench in New Delhi.
When the matter came up for hearing here, the Bench, comprising judicial member Justice M Chockalingam and expert member R Nagendran, said "circumstances did not permit us" to further hear the case.
"Since, the members of this Bench were not inclined to hear the case further, a request was made to the Chairperson of the Principal Bench to consider the appeal," they said.
The bundle of files relating to the case and report of the expert panel which went into the issue, submitted in a sealed cover, would also be sent to the Principal Bench, they said.
The Bench further said the case has already been listed in the cause list of the Principal Bench today, adding, "the parties are directed to appear before the Principal Bench."
The Registry was also directed to transfer all matters relating to the case to the Principal Bench.
When a lawyer sought to know the reasons behind the shifting, they said, "You cannot ask and we cannot say... There could be thousands of reasons."
Sterlite Industries had sought a stay on the March 30 TNPCB order directing the closure of the copper smelter plant for allegedly posing health hazards after protests by locals in the wake of the noxious gas leak from it last month.
However, the company had claimed its plant adhered to required safety norms.
The Tribunal had appointed a four-member committee, including top scientists from IIT Madras, to undertake a study of the plant.
