Plea in Supreme Court Seeks Reclassification of Bhopal Gas Victims

Speedy Summary

• Rights groups representing Bhopal gas disaster victims filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking reclassification of survivors categorized under ‘minor/temporary injury’ to ensure proper compensation for severe long-term health issues, such as cancer and kidney failure.
• The petition refers to the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985 and demands adequate compensation covering medical treatment costs.
• The 1984 tragedy, due to the release of toxic Methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from Union Carbide’s plant in Bhopal, is labeled by the government as “the world’s largest industrial disaster.”
• Litigation against Union Carbide Corporation ended with a Supreme court ruling in July 2023 that any gaps in victim compensation should be addressed by the Indian government.
• Hospital records suggest that decades later, 95% of gas-exposed individuals require ongoing medical care. Data indicates high rates of cardiovascular and pulmonary issues among affected populations at government-run hospitals.
• Petitioners cited evidence, including Union Carbide documents from as early as 1974 predicting lasting injuries due to MIC exposure.
• The case was listed for a hearing on July 14 but postponed due to Chief Justice unavailability; it is now scheduled for July 18.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This petition underscores persistent challenges surrounding victim rehabilitation and justice following one of India’s darkest industrial accidents. if proven true, systemic misclassification could indicate serious flaws in post-disaster governance despite over four decades having passed as the tragedy. Health data presented reflects an alarming burden on public healthcare systems already grappling with limited resources. At its core lies a moral imperative: ensuring survivors facing severe health deterioration receive fair recompense for disasters beyond their control.

Revisiting curative petitions also places accountability squarely on the government after earlier litigation outcomes ceased enforcement actions against Dow Chemicals Corporation (Union Carbide’s parent company). This legal effort could reignite debates about state obligations toward past injustices while shedding light on India’s capacity for equitable resource allocation amid adversity.

Read more: The Hindu