Bhopal Gas Tragedy : Justice Ravindra Bhat Recuses From Constitution Bench Hearing Centre's Curative Plea

A new combination of 5-judge bench will hear Union Government's curative plea for enhanced compensation for Bhopal Gas tragedy victims. This is following the recusal of Justice Ravindra Bhat, who had earlier appeared for Centre in the case.

The curative petition was filed by the Centre for additional compensation for Bhopal gas tragedy victims from US-based Union Carbide Company( which is now owned by Dow Chemicals).

The petition filed in December 2010 seeks additional compensation of Rs.7413 crores, seeking re-examination of the apex court's February 14, 1989 judgement by which the compensation was fixed at US$ 470 million (Rs 750 crore) and subsequent orders of February 15 and May 4 determining the mode of payment and settlement. According to Central Government, the earlier settlement was based on incorrect assumptions on the number of deaths, injuries and losses, and has not taken into account the subsequent environmental degradation. The settlement was based on the earlier figure of 3,000 deaths and 70,000 injury cases; the curative petition has put the death numbers at 5,295 and injury figure at 527,894. has sought.

Centre says that the earlier settlement was based on incorrect assumptions on the number of deaths, injuries and losses, and has not taken into account the subsequent environmental degradation. The settlement was based on the earlier figure of 3,000 deaths and 70,000 injury cases; the curative petition has put the death numbers at 5,295 and injury figure at 527,894. has sought.

A group of victims have sought impleadment in the case through Advocate Karuna Nundy supporting the enhancement of the compensation.