SC dismisses Centre's plea for additional compensation in Bhopal gas tragedy case

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Centre's appeal for more compensation from Union Carbide for the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy. The ruling marks the end of a legal battle that has lasted over three decades.

The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, when a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide released a toxic gas that killed over 3,000 people and affected hundreds of thousands of others. The tragedy is considered one of the worst industrial disasters in history.

The Centre had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court seeking to enhance the compensation amount awarded to the victims by Union Carbide, which was acquired by Dow Chemicals in 2001. The Centre had argued that the amount awarded was inadequate and did not take into account the long-term health effects suffered by the victims.

However, the Supreme Court rejected the Centre's appeal, stating that the compensation amount awarded by Union Carbide was based on a settlement reached in 1989 and was final. The court also noted that the victims had already received a significant amount of compensation and that further claims would not be admissible.

The ruling has been welcomed by activists and the victims of the tragedy who have been fighting for justice for over three decades. They have accused the Centre of neglecting the victims' interests and failing to hold Union Carbide and its successor companies accountable for the tragedy.

The Supreme Court's decision is a reminder of the need for corporations to be held accountable for their actions, and for governments to ensure that the interests of the victims are protected. It also highlights the importance of upholding the principles of justice and fairness in the face of powerful corporate interests.

The Bhopal gas tragedy remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of industrial negligence and the need for greater accountability and responsibility on the part of corporations. The Supreme Court's decision is a step towards justice for the victims of the tragedy and a reminder of the need for greater vigilance in preventing such disasters in the future.