India, March 8 -- In its order on the shutdown of the Sterlite-Vedanta smelter in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court reiterated a fundamental principle that should guide decisions in all similar cases. The Court said, "It is an undeniable and fundamental truth that all persons have the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, live a life free from disease and sickness. Without these basic rights, increased revenue and employment cease to have any real meaning." The Vedanta plant was closed in 2018 following an order by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, which was preceded by massive public mobilisation on the ground that the unit was causing serious environmental damage....