Mumbai: Post the Bhopal verdict, corporate accountability is now under the scanner like never before. From ordinary citizens to Bollywood, there is widespread outrage that the company responsible for the world's worst industrial disaster got away.
Except for India Inc which has stayed largely silent. Not surprising, given the general lack of accountability when it comes to industrial disasters in the country.
Some recent examples:- In September 2009, a chimney at the Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd's Korba plant collapsed. Forty-five workers were killed. Three BALCO officials were held and later released.
- One month later, in a massive fire at the Indian Oil storage terminal in Jaipur, 12 people were killed and over 100 injured. An inquiry found procedural lapses but no one was punished.
Contrast this with the harsh criticism British Petroleum is facing for the massive oil spill. "I don't sit around just talking to experts because this is a college seminar, we talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers - so I know whose ass to kick," the president said.
The problem is that in India there is no law against large scale industrial disasters.
"The regulations are only meant to fulfill the existing laws. After compliance with those regulations is done, the company may indulge in an activity which is disastrous for the people or stakeholders. For such actions there are no provisions in any law, so we have to fall back on a common law practice," said Amit Karkhanis, Advocate, Kay Legal.
The India Inc voices speaking out are few and far between.
"This was a one off accident. Obviously companies have become more careful," said Adi Godrej, Industrialist.
"There is a need for accountability at all levels, certainly at corporate levels. We should have clear rules and that Indian and foreign companies have to follow. Rules that are applied fair and square to everyone," said Meera Sanyal, Chairperson, Royal Bank of Scotland.
The lack of a clear law has been a blessing in disguise for companies operating in India. Something that activists are hoping will change after the Bhopal verdict.