Without meaning disrespect, yes, the protest may not have been legal or legitimate, but citizens cannot be fired on the behalf of any corporate body," the Chief Justice added.

The 2018 police firing on unarmed civilians protesting against Vedanta Sterlite's copper smelting plant at Thoothukudi is a scar on democracy and must not be forgotten, the Madras High Court emphasized on Monday. (Henri Tiphagne v. NHRC and ors).