You know as to how Congress is right in respoding to Bhopal Case verdict?

Many questions are being asked by the media after the Bhopal Case verdict and the issue has occupied so much significance in the light of Nuclear Liability Bill.  Under no circumstances, the Government should give up Nuclear Liability Bill and should carry forward our good and compulsive relations with United States of America. The citizens and the enlightened of this country understand the realities and understand the fact that United States is a dominant force in the world. Can we cut the relations with United States if they say that Anderson can not be extradited to India under any circumstances? We can't? What happened in Bhopal was a unfortunate thing and still, environmental regulation laws are not being properly implemented in this country and the issue is so deeper. The Judgments of the Courts are ignored at times?

When it comes to Bhopal case, the issue is sensitive and also deep rooted. This issue should not cause any problems to the progressive UPA Government which is already facing so many difficulties.  In the matter, Hon'ble Chief Justice Ahmedi was also attacked on the ground that he has diluted the charges. I believe that, though many legal experts are silent on the issue, the line between section 304 of I.P.C and section 304-A is very thin and it is really difficult to establish a case under section 304. If we see the statistics as to how many people were convicted under section 304 of I.P.C in this country, then, the issue becomes very clear. While I welcome the criticism, I don't think that it is right to say that Chief Justice Ahmedi was wrong in altering the sections and the Supreme Court may absolutely be right.

Now, we can not turn the clock back and United States has taken a firm position on the issue and in my opinion, they are so mature when it comes to taking a stand on the issues of national importance. On the issue of extraditing Mr.Anderson, they say that they will not discuss or comment on extradition issues as a matter of policy. At the same time, they stress on the growing partnership between United States and India and the statement has so much to convey in the light of President Obama's visit to India during next November. It is very important for India to have a good and close relationship with United States at any cost.

I personally believe that the majority of enlightened and educated in this Country understands the situation and they do not give so much importance to extraditing Mr. Anderson now. People will not appreciate the politics on Bhopal and people understands the significance of passing Nuclear Liability Bill without any hindrance. Dr.Manmohan Singh Government has stressed the need to concentrate on energy and it is important for India to concentrate on Nuclear Energy. So much criticism is coming from media and certain sections of political parties that the Nuclear Liability Bill is flawed one as it limits the liability of the producer of the energy. What if the Nuclear Liability Bill limits the liability, the Government can take the ultimate liability as it is answerable to the citizens if need be.

We need to focus on developmental issues and there should not be any hindrance to UPA government while it takes crucial decisions. Educated and enlightened will definitely not appreciate any hindrance to Nuclear Liability Bill.  I have heard one Senior Advocate commenting that the whether this Nuclear Liability Bill take note of the 'Polluter Pay' principle laid-down by the Supreme Court.  The doctrine of sustainable development and "polluter pay" principles are very important and at the same so complicated. I personally know the value given to the 'polluter pay principle' by some governments in response to the judgment of Constitutional Courts.  May be due to international developments and experience, United States is valuing India so much in the recent past and it is evident from the statement of President Obama and his visit to India and India should take it forward at any cost.

It is very difficult for any ruling government to comment on sensitive issues like Bhopal tragedy and the stand taken by congress and the UPA government appears to be right on the issue. They say that it is a human issue rather a legal and technical thing and the Government was not arrogant while replying to the issue. I am very impressed at the response of Congress and UPA government on the issue despite media debates, statements and revelations.

What is important for India now is development, inclusive growth and overall development. UPA Government has done well given the limitations and complications and I believe that the majority of educated and enlightened understands and support the UPA government guided by Smt.Sonia Gandhi. People know the truth and can instantly judge what is right and what is wrong now. India should focus on overall development and the foundation is being laid now. UPA government had to think about its allies now and despite the coalition compulsions, the Government is marching well. I believe that the government has so many-things to concentrate now and especially our relations with United States. The Government is concentrating on moist issue, the castism, price rise, preventing terrorism, improving relations between state and the center, concentrating on educational reforms and lot of emphasis is being laudably laid on inclusive growth.

I have been observing the response of Congress Party to the Bhopal tragedy and the handling of the issue by Congress is good. People know the realities and understand the compulsions and complications.  I believe that, to the extent possible, Congress should never go back on the issues pertaining to national interest and public interest.

Note: the views expressed are my personal.