In Brief
- An ethanol company sued farmer M. Muralidhar Reddy for ₹1 crore over pollution allegations.
- A Lokayukta inquiry found untreated effluents in a canal and APPCB fined the firm.
- The suit demands an apology and gag on allegedly misleading statements.
- The dispute centers on pollution in Gandepalli, NTR district, Andhra Pradesh.
An ethanol manufacturing company has filed a defamation suit seeking ₹1 crore in damages from farmer M. Muralidhar Reddy of Gandepalli, NTR district, Andhra Pradesh. The suit demands a formal apology and an injunction against further 'misleading' statements allegedly made by the farmer regarding pollution caused by the company.
This legal action follows findings from a Lokayukta inquiry which reportedly detected untreated effluents being discharged into an irrigation canal in the region. Subsequently, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) imposed a fine on the ethanol company for the pollution incident.
The farmer’s claims brought the issue to public attention, prompting official investigations and regulatory action. The company counters that the farmer's statements are false and damaging to its reputation and business interests.
The case underscores tensions between industrial operations and local communities concerned about environmental impact in Andhra Pradesh. Further developments are expected as the suit progresses through the courts.
