On Monday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the media to avoid publishing any misleading reports that could cause fear or confusion regarding the disposal of waste from the Union Carbide Factory site in Bhopal, which was being transferred to Pithampur.
The order came after the State government informed the Court that protests had erupted in Pithampur due to alleged misinformation about the risks of the waste disposal process. The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, responded by directing both print and electronic media outlets not to report false or unfounded information regarding the disposal of the waste.
The Court’s decision follows the ongoing legacy of the Union Carbide gas leak disaster in Bhopal, which took place on December 2-3, 1984, and claimed thousands of lives, leaving over a lakh people affected. In December 2024, the High Court had already directed the State government to remove and safely dispose of the toxic waste from the affected areas, expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress, and warning that further delays could lead to another disaster.
Advocate General Prashant Singh reported to the Court that on January 1, the toxic waste, packed in 12 fireproof and leak-proof containers, was transported with police and administrative support, along with medical and fire brigade staff, as well as skilled laborers. A green corridor was also created to facilitate transportation.
However, the Court was informed of significant public unrest due to rumors suggesting the potential for another industrial disaster as the waste was being unloaded and disposed of. The State government assured the Court that it had issued orders to officials to provide the public with accurate information to dispel these rumors and requested six weeks to restore public confidence.
The Court noted that the State had pledged to fulfill its obligations and take the people of Pithampur into confidence regarding the disposal process. It also clarified that the disposal should continue according to the earlier order and that no new directives regarding the unloading were necessary.
The Court further emphasized that the State must adhere to all safety measures while executing the disposal plan. It granted an additional six weeks for the State to comply with its December 3, 2024, order, urging immediate action to ensure both public safety and transparency.
