Supreme Court Asks Gujarat HC To Identify Victims Of 2022 Dahej Blast
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court to register a suo motu case to identify victims of the 2022 industrial accident at a pesticide plant operated by Bharat Rasayan Ltd in Dahej and facilitate the payment of compensation to them.
Eight Killed In Dahej Plant Blast
The accident took place at Bharat Rasayan’s pesticide plant in Dahej on May 17, 2022, killing eight people and injuring several others.
An alleged defect in a reactor triggered the blast and subsequent fire at the plant. The incident also raised concerns over toxic emissions and chemical contamination in the area.
NGT Imposed ₹13.5 Crore Environmental Compensation
Applying the “polluter pays” principle, the National Green Tribunal on May 29, 2024, imposed environmental compensation of approximately ₹13.5 crore on Bharat Rasayan.
The NGT directed the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to use the amount for environmental restoration and improvement measures within a 10-km radius of the plant.
₹3.27 Crore Kept For Victims
A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana took note of the Central Pollution Control Board’s submission that the state pollution control board had been directed to spend the environmental compensation strictly on restoration and improvement work.
The apex court was also informed that around ₹3.27 crore was lying with its registry for disbursal to the victims, their family members or legal heirs.
However, authorities have been unable to identify the victims and their family members who are entitled to receive the compensation.
Gujarat HC Asked To Trace Eligible Beneficiaries
Taking note of the issue, the Supreme Court asked the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court to register a suo motu case to identify the victims or their family members.
The court also directed its registry to keep the ₹3.27 crore in a fixed deposit for another year. The amount will be released after the Gujarat High Court identifies those entitled to receive the compensation.
