The Supreme Court said Thursday it will hear the government's appeal of a Nagoya High Court ruling that nullified the 1983 approval of the troubled Monju experimental fast-breeder nuclear reactor project in Fukui Prefecture.
The decision by the court's First Petty Bench suggests the top court is considering reversing or changing the lower court ruling. When the Supreme Court decides to hold a hearing, it often alters or overturns a lower ruling. The Monju case will be heard March 17.
In January 2003, the Nagoya High Court nullified government approval 20 years ago of the experimental reactor project in Tsuruga. The ruling overturned a Fukui District Court ruling in 2000 that dismissed a lawsuit filed by residents, most of whom were living near the reactor.