The decision was made based on the report of a High Powered Committee (HPC) formed by the government of Tamil Nadu to inspect the structural and civil safety of the plant.

The HPC in July 2022 recommended certain maintenance activities can be undertaken to upkeep the Sterlite plant.

The plant was shut down in 2018, following the Tamil Nadu government's order to seal and permanently close it after 13 people were killed in police firing during a protest against the unit.

On 6 March 2023, the additional chief secretary of the State Government wrote to the District Collector, Tuticorin district and asked the collector to proceed with certain upkeep activities such as removing gypsum and maintaining secured landfill facility among others.

"In this regard, the unit shall submit a detailed proposal and time schedule including the man power, machineries, number of trucks required for removal of the remaining gypsum. Once the evacuation of the Gypsum is over the manpower and the machineries permitted for that purpose should be withdrawn," it ordered.

The SC's decision relied on HPC's report. Also, subsequent communication by the collector granted permission to Vedanta to carry out the maintenance activities.

However, the bench said that the District Collector had not permitted the firm to undertake civil and structural safety integrity assessment study in the plant premises besides removal and transportation of spares and equipment.

It also noted that the district collector also denied the nod to conduct evacuation of "in-process reverts and other raw materials lying idle in the premises of the plant/stores."

The matter is listed on 4 May 2023 for further hearing as well as to fix the matter for final hearing.

Separately, Vedanta announced that its board will meet on Thursday, 13 April 2023, to consider the proposal for issuance of non-convertible debentures on a private placement basis.

Vedanta, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, is one of the world's leading oil & gas and metals company with significant operations in oil & gas, zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, steel, and aluminium & power across India, South Africa and Namibia.

On consolidated basis, Vedanta's net profit declined 42.25% to Rs 3,092 crore in Q3 FY23 from Rs 5,354 crore posted in Q3 FY22. Revenue from operations fell marginally to Rs 33,691 crore in Q3 FY23 as against Rs 33,697 crore reported in the corresponding quarter last year.

Shares of Vedanta rose 0.78% to Rs 271.90 on the BSE.