Bhopal gas tragedy verdict: SC rejects Centre's plea for more compensation from UCC's successor firms

The Supreme Court rejected the Centre's curative plea for enhanced compensation for the victims of the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy from US-based firm Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). The court rather asked the government to utilise a sum of Rs 50 crore lying with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to satisfy pending claims of victims.

The government had sought an additional Rs 7,844 crore from the UCC successor firms to extend higher compensation to the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy that killed over 3,000 people and caused environmental damage. The Centre's move came after it opposed previous attempts by private parties to seek additional compensation.

The Supreme Court pulled up the government for raking up the issues two decades after the settlement was achieved. "We are unsatisfied with the Union of India for not furnishing any rationale for raking up this issue after two decades...We are of the view that curative petitions cannot be entertained," the bench said.