Union Carbide Corporation and Dow Chemicals, which took over UCC in 2001, did not take responsibility for the leak. UCC, however, abided by a 1989 Supreme Court ruling asking it to pay compensation of $470 million after a long legal battle in the US and India.
UCC and its Indian subsidiary paid $465 million, which was deposited with the Reserve Bank of India.
The courts asked the victims for documentary proof that they had indeed been exposed to the methyl isocynate gas. The victims were given about $2,000. Those who escaped with injuries were given $500. Interim relief was paid every month for six years to some people. $360 million remains to be disbursed.
Some 15,000 claimants remain, and the authorities say it will take eight more years to decide on all the cases. Most of those who got $500 live below the poverty line, many without any source of income. Many suffer from chronic, debilitating diseases.
How far will the $500 go to meet their living expenses and medication?