SC fixes April for hearing curative petition seeking more compensation for Bhopal gas disaster victims

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Residential premises around the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal
Residential premises around the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal

The Supreme Court on Monday (Jan 28) fixed April for hearing a curative petition filed by Centre seeking additional Rs 7,413 crores from Union Carbide Corporation as compensation for the Bhopal gas disaster victims.

The bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was told by Additional Solicitor General Madhavi Divan that the matter should be heard in open court.

The Bhopal gas tragedy which happened 33 years ago is the worst industrial disaster India has ever seen. Methyl Isocyanate gas which leaked from Union Carbide factory in 1984 allegedly killed over 3,000 people and maimed thousands of others.

The tragedy victims have been crying foul that they have not been provided adequate medical facilities, better living conditions and employment.

—India Legal Bureau