Naveen Patnaik hails SC Judgment in Vedanta Case

Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik welcomed the Supreme Court judgment in Vedanta case, terming it as a blessing in disguise for Orissa. The CM said the Supreme Court had not objected to mining of bauxite on Niyamgiri Hills. In fact, the apex court had upheld the state cabinet's earlier resolution of asking for five per cent of profit from industries located in tribal areas.

Ironically, both media and opposition parties as well as the common people have failed to correctly interpret the Supreme Court decision in Vedanta case. Although the court restricted Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL) from mining bauxite on Niyamgiri Hills, it had given opportunity for Sterilite Industries India Limited (SIIL) to develop the project.