New Delhi: The government has scheduled for Monday the introduction of a Bill in the Lok Sabha limiting compensation in case of a nuclear accident. The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left parties have resolved to oppose the Bill and seek its referral to the Standing Committee for closer scrutiny.
The BJP, the Left parties and environmental organisations are opposed to several clauses, including compensation from foreign companies in case of an accident. They are also against another clause that frees operators from any liability if the accident was due to grave national disaster of exceptional character, armed conflict or act of terrorism.
The passage of the Bill is crucial to operationalise the India-U.S. civil nuclear agreement and allow the entry of private U.S. companies which have already been assigned land for a nuclear park. France and Russia have also been informed of land being earmarked for their companies and the Bill will also benefit them, said Department of Atomic Energy Secretary Srikumar Banerjee.
Sorabjee’s note
The Left leaders refer to a note by jurist Soli Sorabjee for Greenpeace to support their contention that the draft Bill violates constitutional provisions. “Any such move [to limit compensation] will be in defiance of Supreme Court judgments and will be contrary to the interest of the people of India and their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution,” he wrote.
– from hindu.com