Nuclear liability Bill pins no clear liability

Govt mulling the drop of key clause on suppliers' liability

PTI/GN Bureau | June 10, 2010



The government is understood to be considering changes in the nuclear liability bill, including a proposal to a crucial clause that would compel a foreign nuclear supplier to provide for compensation in case of accidents due to wilful action or gross negligence.

The changes coming against the backof light sentencing in the Bhopal gas tragedy verdict have already come under attack from political parties including the BJP and the Left parties which have said it was being done under American pressure.

The government intention is believed to have been conveyed during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The changes appear to have even caught off guard the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which plays a key role in forging cooperation with the US and other nations for the government.

A report in The Hindu said that the subclause 17(b) will be dropped which will give the suppliers of nuclear material near-total immunity from charges in case of a disaster.

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