Leading pharmaceutical company, Shasun Chemicals and Drugs said that it has received a closure notice from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

The plant makes anti-ulcerant drugs like Ranitidine, Nizatidine and Gabapentin.

The company has been issued the notice under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, to close the factory located at the Sipcot Industrial complex in Cuddalore.

The notice has been issued after receiving complaints that the plant was emitting foul odour into air.

Commenting over the TNPCB order, a company official said: "We are surprised at the turn of events. The company has not been given a chance to give its views before the pollution control board before serving the closure notice.”

The Rs 457.8 crore company is now planning to approach the court.

Shasun Chemicals and Drugs manufactures bulk drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their intermediaries.

Apart from Cuddalore, the company also has another manufacturing facility at Pondicherry.