Industrial Disasters — Legal Precedents

Legal Precedents

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak Case)

1987

This landmark judgment established the principle of absolute liability for hazardous industries, departing from the traditional rule in Rylands v. Fletcher. The Supreme Court held…

Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar

1991

This case explicitly recognized that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21. The judgment established that…

Union Carbide Corporation v. Union of India

1989

This case dealt with the Bhopal Gas Tragedy settlement and established important principles regarding corporate liability in industrial disasters. The Supreme Court approved the…

Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India

1996

This judgment established the precautionary principle and polluter pays principle as part of Indian environmental law. The court held that these principles are now part of the…