india's 'development' is being SLAPPED. for those who question questionable industries, dangerous pollution, false industrial propaganda, displacement of people and destruction of environment, the only way you can make them come into the 'development' bandwagaon is via SLAPPING.

in the above link sunita narain wrote about SLAPP in a telling editorial. it seems SLAPP is widely used in western world to gag public protests against questionable practises by industries. in india, with SLAPP, the industry is taking the same route.

the latest in SLAPP is the 1 crore defamation suit filed by Chemplast Sanmar Ltd against SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors.

i had written about the stinging iptindia report on malco and chemplast and i guess the pressure from the people protesting against dangerous toxic pollution is getting onto the bosses who instead of working with the communities in a transparent manner is taking the opposite direction of SLAPPING.

well, if 10% india's growth has to be achieved via section 144, SLAPPING, etc - you bet India will do it. because 10% growth - a growth that will make sure the wealthy gets more wealthier at cost of environment and environment dependent people - is way more important than any other thing.

(polluted uppanar river which has taken a huge hit by dangerous toxic pollution from sipcot cuddalore industries)
(panel members visiting the uppanar river in sept 2006 as part of their site visit)
(public hearing in process in cuddalore in sept 2006. the full report can be obtained from sipcot cuddalore website)