The Criminal Case Against UCC and the Role Played by Dow Chemical
Criminal proceedings for “culpable homicide not amounting to murder” were launched against US-based Union Carbide Corporation in 1984. The case against UCC continues to this day because the company has never appeared before the Indian courts to answer the charges against it.
Union Carbide's current owner, the Dow Chemical Company has, on numerous occasions, been served summons to attend the Bhopal courts and explain why it does not produce Union Carbide. Dow refuses to attend the court.
Please follow these links to learn more about how Union Carbide and others have managed to avoid criminal prosecution, for the deaths of thousands, for over three decades:
Simple History of the Criminal Case
Bulleted points outline key moments in history of the case.
Timeline of the Criminal Case
Detailed chronology of legal developments with hearing dates, decisions, and arguments.
The Question of Jurisdiction
UCC has consistently argued that the case should not be heard in the US whilst simultaneously claiming it is not subject to Indian jurisdiction. Here we explain why UCC is, under international law, subject to Indian jurisdiction.
Short History of the Criminal Case
Digestible history with greater detail of key legal developments, jurisdiction, corporate issues and political manoeuvring.
Detailed History of the Criminal Case
History of criminal case including detail of historical issues giving rise to later liability, jurisdiction issues, corporate issues of ownership and subsidiary vehicles, political influence and manipulation, along with all significant legal developments as far as 2013.
