India

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: SC Dismisses Centre’s Plea For Extra Funds From UCC’s Successor Firms

The Supreme Court (SC) dismissed the Centre’s curative plea seeking an additional Rs 7,844 crore from the Union Carbide Corporation’s (UCC) successor firms to extend higher compensation to the victims of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy that killed over 3,000 people and caused environmental damage.

SC verdict on Bhopal gas tragedy

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. He said there was no rationale by the Centre to rake up the issue two decades after the settlement.

The apex court said that a sum of Rs 50 crore lying with the RBI for the victims shall be utilised by the Union of India to satisfy pending claims of victims.

“We are unsatisfied with the Union of India for not furnishing any rationale for raking up this issue after two decades…We are of the view that curative petitions cannot be entertained,” the bench said.

On January 12, the bench also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Abhay S Oka, Vikram Nath and J K Maheshwar had reserved its verdict on the Centre’s curative plea.

Also Read: The Kandhar Plan Hijack Negotiator & Sr Journalist Vedpratap Vaidik No More !

Centre wanted Rs 7,844 crore

The Centre wanted another Rs 7,844 crore from the UCC’s successor firms over and above the USD 470 million (Rs 715 crore) it got from the American company as part of the settlement in 1989.

A curative petition is the last resort for a plaintiff after an adverse judgment has been delivered and the plea for its review is rejected. The Centre had not filed a review petition for rescinding the settlement which it now wants to be enhanced.

The UCC, now owned by Dow Chemicals, gave a compensation of Rs USD 470 million in 1989 after the toxic methyl isocyanate gas leak from the Union Carbide factory on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984 killed over 3,000 people and affected 1.02 lakh more.

Alina Khan

Recent Posts

Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai Congratulate Devendra Fadnavis Sworning In As Maharashtra Chief Minister

Upendrra Rai, CMD Bharat Express, who expressed admiration for Shri Fadnavis' leadership and conveyed heartfelt…

33 mins ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: Yogi Government’s Strategic Coordination Ensures Timely Preparations

For Maha Kumbh 2025, preparations are in full swing as authorities work to ensure all…

13 hours ago

In Special Gesture, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sees-Off PM Modi At Airport After Conclusion Of Historic Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Kuwait on Sunday evening. In…

14 hours ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: Shri Panchdashnam Aawahan Akhara Makes Grand Entry Into Maha Kumbh City

Maha Kumbh 2025 with preparations for the Maha Sammelan are in full swing as 13…

15 hours ago

India’s Unifying Initiative: MRM Declares Bhagwat’s Message As The Foundation Of National Unity

The MRM strongly endorsed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement on temple-mosque disputes.…

15 hours ago

Maha Kumbh-2025: Prayagraj Mela Authority Deploys Advanced Sanitation Technology

For Maha Kumbh-2025, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has made extensive preparations to provide a clean…

16 hours ago