Petition in Supreme Court alleges misclassification of Bhopal gas leak victims
A petition filed by Bhopal gas disaster victims' rights groups in the Supreme Court claims that survivors with severe and lasting injuries have been wrongly classified under 'temporary disablement' and 'minor injury', leading to years of under-compensation. The plea urges the Centre to correctly reclassify these victims under the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985, to ensure they receive adequate compensation for medical treatment. The petition highlights Union Carbide's internal document, which indicated that inhalation of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) is likely to cause major residual injury, emphasizing the Centre's responsibility to address the "unjust and arbitrary" damages awarded.
Key Points
- Bhopal gas leak victims are allegedly misclassified, leading to inadequate compensation for severe injuries.
- The petition seeks reclassification of victims under the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985.
- Union Carbide's own documents suggested Methyl Isocyanate inhalation could cause major residual injury.
- The Supreme Court is urged to ensure the Centre fulfills its responsibility to provide just compensation.
- The case highlights ongoing legal battles for justice for the Bhopal gas tragedy survivors decades later.
Exam Facts
- The petition refers to the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985.
- Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) was the toxic gas involved in the Bhopal tragedy.
- The petition was filed by organizations like the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha.
- The Supreme Court is hearing the petition.
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