Madhya Pradesh High Court Initiates Contempt Case Against Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department's Secretary

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the Registry to draw charges of contempt against the Secretary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department. 

"It is now more than ten and half years but digitization of the record has not yet been completed of all the gas victims." the Division Bench of Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Virender Singh observed.

The Division Bench referring to an order passed by the Supreme Court said it was not only the National Informatic Centre, Bhopal but also the State which was entrusted with the responsibility of computerization of Gas Relief Hospitals.

The court also noted that the Counsel appearing for  state information officers of the National Informatic Centre at Bhopal are trying to distinguish between computerization and digitization. 

The Court, however, rejected the contention and observed that the expression ‘computerization’ includes within it’s ambit the concept of digitization of records.

"As such, the functionaries of the State were also equally responsible to ensure completion of computerization (including digitization) of records of BMHRC and other hospitals," it added.

The Court had previously directed the Registry to draw up charges of contempt against the officers. Their reply will be considered on the next day of hearing. 

The matter has been listed for further consideration on March 17.

Case Title: Bhopal Gas Peedith Mahila Udyog Sanghathan and Anr v. Rajesh Bhushan and Ors. 

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (MP) 36

Click Here To Read/Download The Order