SC notice to Dow, Union Carbide

More than 26 years after poisonous gas leak killed 10,000 people and maimed over a lakh in Bhopal, the SC on Monday agreed to review its judgments in the criminal and civil cases, which allegedly helped the accused get away with light punishment and Union Carbide pay meagre compensation. The court issued notices to Dow Chemicals, Union Carbide, Eveready Industries and McLeod Russel on the Centre’s plea seeking upto Rs 7,844 crore from them to pay additional compensation to the victims and their families. UCC and Dow Chemicals Company said they will oppose in the SC the curative petition filed by the Indian Government seeking enhancement of compensation from Rs 750 crore to Rs 7,700 crore for the victims of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.