Longer jail term for man-made disasters?

Stressing the need of putting a stop on the increasing incidents of man-made disasters, the Law Commission in its consultation paper has recommended that existing jail term for negligent act of two years should be enhanced to five years.

Citing the cases of Union Carbide Corporation and Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy, the commission said, “Even if the rash and negligent act is of such a magnitude that it results in mass deaths, the maximum punishment is only two years and therefore should be enhanced to five years.”

Observing the fact that though there are punishment prescribed for various offences,  the law commission said, “The owner of the cinema hall that violates certain conditions which is against the license issued to it, attracts only a meager fine of Rs1,000 and in case of continuing the same offence, further fine extending to Rs100 for each day.”

“Unless the fire service machinery and equipment is geared up to meet the growing needs and the safety consciousness is instilled, situation will not improve. Too many rules and very little compliance seems to be the present day scenario,” the commission ruled.

The commission also demanded enhancement of compensation in case of death from Rs25,000 to Rs1,25,000.