Supreme Court Revisits 1984 Gas Leak Case: Justice After Four Decades?
40 years after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Supreme Court recently admitted a petition to reopen compensation claims. The case is being closely watched not just as a legal proceeding, but as a reminder of India’s worst industrial disaster.
What Happened Then
On December 2, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas leaked from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal.
• Over 15,000 lives lost
• 5 lakh+ people affected
• In 1989, a settlement of $470 million was reached between the company and the Indian government
Critics have long argued this was grossly inadequate.
Why the Supreme Court is Looking Again
A new plea filed by the government seeks:
• Additional compensation from successor company Dow Chemicals
• A review of the settlement based on new medical reports and ongoing impact
• Possible criminal re-examination of executives
Legal Hurdles
• Can a settled case be reopened under Article 142 of the Constitution?
• Will it pass the test of natural justice after such a long gap?
Why It Matters
The decision will affect:
• Victims still suffering without full rehabilitation
• Corporate liability precedents
• International environmental law obligations
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