Fali Sam Nariman's Regret : Accepting Bhopal Gas Leak Case
Fali Sam Nariman, an eminent legal figure in India, had a successful career adorned with numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2007. However, a somber note lingered in his journey—a poignant regret tied to his involvement in the Bhopal gas leak case.
The Bhopal Gas Disaster and Nariman's Involvement:
The Bhopal gas disaster of December 1984 is an indelible scar on the annals of industrial history, marking one of the world's worst industrial tragedies. The catastrophic event claimed thousands of lives and inflicted immeasurable suffering on countless others. In the aftermath, Fali Sam Nariman found himself at the center of controversy, representing Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), the entity accountable for the devastating gas leak.
Nariman's decision to represent UCC sparked significant criticism, given the magnitude of the tragedy and the widespread devastation it caused. Critics accused UCC's legal team, including Nariman, of employing delaying tactics during the legal proceedings, prolonging the agony for the victims and their families.
Reflections on Regret:
Reflecting on his choice to represent UCC in the Bhopal case, Nariman acknowledged the weight of his decision. He expressed regret, stating, "If I had to live my life all over again, as a lawyer, and the brief came to me and I had foreknowledge of everything that later came in, I would certainly not have accepted the civil liability case which I did."
Despite the regret, Nariman admitted that, at the time, he felt a sense of excitement about the case, believing it would "add a feather to his cap." He later realized, "But I found later – but then it's too late, one can't walk out of the case one has already taken up – that it was not a case, it was a tragedy."
The Settlement and Aftermath:
The Bhopal case concluded in an out-of-court settlement in February 1989, with UCC agreeing to a settlement amount of $470 million. However, the resolution did little to assuage the pain and anguish of those affected by the tragedy.
A Lasting Impact:
The moral quandary faced by Nariman persisted, leaving an enduring mark on his otherwise illustrious career. In the tapestry of legal luminaries, Fali Sam Nariman's regret over his role in the Bhopal gas leak case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and ethical dilemmas that can accompany even the most accomplished legal careers. The shadow of Bhopal remains a testament to the challenges faced by those navigating the intricate terrain of law and justice in the pursuit of truth and resolution.
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