ngos-urge-sc-for-more-compensation-for-bhopal-gas-survivors

Four organisations supporting survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the world’s worst industrial disaster, have filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, seeking additional compensation for victims suffering from cancer and kidney disorders, representatives said Saturday.

 

The disaster, caused by a toxic gas leak at the Union Carbide factory on the night of Dec. 2-3, 1984, killed 5,479 people and left more than 500,000 physically affected.

 

Rachna Dhingra, a member of the Bhopal Group for Information & Action, said the petition was submitted two days ago to address what the groups believe is inadequate compensation. The petition is expected to be heard on Dec. 3, marking the 40th anniversary of the tragedy.

 

“The petition aims to correct the injustice in compensation given to survivors. We are seeking additional compensation for those suffering from cancers and kidney diseases, which were wrongly classified as temporary injuries,” Dhingra said.

 

Union Carbide’s own records acknowledge that health damage caused by methyl isocyanate exposure is permanent, Dhingra said, alleging that 93% of compensation claims were classified as “temporary” injuries, resulting in underpayment.

 

Rashida Bee, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangathan, cited data obtained through Right to Information requests, revealing that 90% of the 11,278 survivors diagnosed with cancer and 91% of the 1,855 with fatal kidney diseases received only ₹25,000 in compensation, apart from ex gratia payments.

 

Former Orissa High Court Chief Justice S. Muralidhar has agreed to present the case in court, according to Balkrishna Namdeo of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha.

 

“Justice Muralidhar previously helped secure our right to adequate healthcare and pro-rata compensation from the Supreme Court,” Namdeo said.

 

Nawab Khan, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, highlighted Supreme Court orders from 1991 and 2023, which state that any compensation shortfall must be covered by the Union government.

 

“Our plea seeks at least ₹500,000 in additional compensation for each survivor diagnosed with cancer or fatal kidney disease. This is essential to rectify a clear shortfall,” Khan said.