Thread by @ANI

Supreme Court starts hearing a plea seeking reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu for production of oxygen to be used for treatment of COVID patients

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says produced oxygen should be given to the Centre for allocation to various states

Appearing for Vedanta, senior lawyer Harish Salve tells SC, "We'll run only oxygen plant & not power plant. Electricity will be provided by the state."

Justice DY Chandrachud asks, "When can you start the plant?"

"We can start producing oxygen in maybe 10 days," Salve replies.

As Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and other parties enter into a verbal duel, Justice DY Chandrachud says, "We are in a crisis. There cannot be political bickering in this court. We are in a national crisis. We have to support the nation as a court."

Senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves, appearing for a family of victim of the Sterlite gas leak, says Vedanta is a chronic defaulter.

To which, Justice Chandrachud says, "We're not hearing an appeal against Madras HC order at this point. We are only allowing running of oxygen plant."

"There is a national calamity," says Justice DY Chandrahud during the hearing of a plea seeking reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu for production of medical oxygen.

Justice DY Chandrachud says, "We'll request NEERI to nominate 3 experts from Tamil Nadu & Colin Gonsalves can also choose 2 experts in the case. Then there will be 5 experts. The oversight committee can discuss with the committee of experts."

Supreme Court allows Vedanta to operate oxygen production unit at its Sterlite copper plant in Tuticorin, in Tamil Nadu, on a stand-alone basis.

"The plant shall be operated & only produce oxygen & for no other purpose," says Justice DY Chandrachud.

Vedanta submits before the Supreme Court that it will supply oxygen free of cost to people in need.