The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed media outlets to refrain from publishing news reports that could instill fear or confusion among the public concerning the disposal of waste from the Union Carbide Factory site in Bhopal to Pithampur.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain issued the directive after the state government informed the Court about protests erupting in Pithampur, allegedly fueled by misleading reports on the potential hazards of the waste disposal process.
“The media, print and electronic, shall not publish any fake news which will create fear and confusion in the public regarding the disposal of waste material,” the Court ordered.
The catastrophic gas leak at the Union Carbide Plant in Bhopal on the night of December 2-3, 1984, claimed thousands of lives and left over one lakh people affected by its toxic impact.
In December 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the State government to undertake all necessary remedial measures to ensure the removal and safe disposal of the toxic waste remaining in the affected area.
“They are still in state of inertia despite 40 years from the date of gas tragedy. Though plan has been sanctioned, contract has been awarded, but still the authorities are in inertia that may lead to another tragedy to take shape before acting further,” the Court had said while hearing a petition pending since 2004.
Advocate General Prashant Singh informed the Madhya Pradesh High Court that 12 fire-proof and leak-proof containers carrying the toxic waste were transported on the night of January 1. The operation was carried out with the assistance of the police, administration, doctors, fire brigade personnel, and a reserved team of skilled laborers. A green corridor was created to facilitate the safe transportation of the waste.
However, the Court was apprised of widespread public outcry stemming from rumors of a potential industrial disaster during the unloading and disposal of the waste. To address these concerns, the State reported that it had issued directives to officials to counter the rumors by disseminating accurate information.
The State also sought six weeks to build public confidence regarding the safety measures undertaken.
“It is assured by the State that they will perform their duties and obligations and will take the public of Pithampur into confidence for the same,” the court recorded.
The state government also requested permission to proceed with unloading the waste.
However, the Court clarified that no additional order was necessary, as the State had already been directed to dispose of the waste in accordance with prescribed norms.
The Court emphasized that it is the prerogative of the State to unload and dispose of the waste in compliance with its earlier directions.
At the same time, it instructed the State to ensure all necessary safety measures are taken while executing the disposal process. Granting additional time, the Court allowed the State six more weeks to comply with its order dated December 3, 2024.
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