Kudankulam row: PIL in SC to make supplier liable for damage

A group of NGOs and social activists on Monday approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction to make it binding on the Russian company involved in setting up of the controversial Kudankulam nuclear power plant to pay damages in case of an incident.

The petition filed by NGOs--Centre for Public Interest Litigation and Common Cause--and others alleged that the Centre has exempted Russian company from all liabilities in case of any accident which is against the law.

The petition claimed that the Centre has assured the Russian government that "Indian public exchequer and the Indian taxpayers would foot the bill in case of an accident and Russians would be indemnified".

The move comes amid protest by anti-nuclear activisist at the site of the plant in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu against loading of fuel in the plant.

"The said undertaking or agreement has inherently dangerous implications. It is a settled law that all agreements/undertakings in conflict of the law or public policy are void to the extent of the said conflict," the petition said pointing out the contents of Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 which imposes liability on nuclear supplier.

The petitioner also pleaded that the Centre be directed to produce all the agreements signed with USSR/Russia regarding the setting up of nuclear power plant at Kudankulam before the apex court.

The petition is likely to be taken up by the apex court on Thursday when it would take up another case pertaining to security aspects of the plant.