Case Comment On “Vedanta Limited V. State Of Tamil Nadu & Ors: Corporate Social Responsibility Vs. Corporate Environmental Responsibility”
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 10
- 1 min read
Prof. Dr. Arun D Raj, Assistant Professor, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai
Saathvika Ramgopal, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai
ABSTRACT
Through its extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts Vedanta Limited distinguishes itself as a socially responsible mining and metals conglomerate. During the 2022 financial year the company allocated ₹399 crore to support education, healthcare and community development initiatives as part of its CSR efforts. Through these initiatives Vedanta Limited showcases its social responsibility commitment and boosts its corporate image. The closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu demonstrates a sharp contradiction between the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and its inability to fulfill Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) standards. The closure, triggered by repeated environmental violations that jeopardized public health and local ecosystems, highlights the critical distinction between CSR and CER: CSR focuses on voluntary social contributions whereas CER requires companies to actively work towards environmental protection and legal adherence. This example shows how businesses use CSR as a public relations tool while failing to fulfill their environmental responsibilities. A lack of legal enforcement of CER responsibilities allows harmful corporate practices to continue which causes major social and environmental damage.
Keywords: Accountability, CER, CSR, Economic considerations, Environmental obligations, Sustainability.
