Law & Social Justice- 1 - Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions,

The laws mentioned aim to protect people from exploitation and ensure fair practices in the markets.

The Right against Exploitation guarantees protection from forced labor or low wages.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on 2 December 1984, when a gas leak from the Union Carbide factory released a highly toxic substance, methyl isocyanate (MIC).

Key facts about the tragedy:

• It is considered the world's worst industrial disaster.
• Over 8,000 people died within three days of the incident.
• Hundreds of thousands suffered from severe health issues, including respiratory problems and eye disorders.
• Many victims were from poor, working-class families, with around 50,000 still unable to work due to health complications.

The disaster was exacerbated by:

• Union Carbide's negligence in maintaining safety standards to reduce costs.
• A lack of emergency plans and inadequate safety measures compared to their plants in the United States.
• The company's refusal to take responsibility for the cleanup of toxic waste left at the site.

Despite overwhelming evidence of negligence, Union Carbide settled for only $470 million in compensation, far less than the $3 billion initially sought by the Indian government.

The ongoing struggle for justice includes demands for:

• Safe drinking water and healthcare for affected individuals.
• Accountability for those responsible, including the former chairman of Union Carbide.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy highlights the need for stricter safety regulations and accountability in industrial practices.

Companies seek cheaper labor in India, allowing them to get longer working hours for lower pay.

The government is supposed to enforce safety laws to protect the Right to Life under Article 21.

In 1984, there were very few laws protecting the environment in India, and enforcement was lacking.

The growing concern for the environment among the middle classes often results in policies or practices that overlook the needs and rights of poorer communities. These environmental initiatives can inadvertently lead to adverse impacts on the poor, such as displacement or loss of livelihood, thereby harming them. 

The government has to encourage factories to gradually move to cleaner technologies.

Laws are necessary to protect people from unfair practices in the market, office, or factory.

People can exert pressure to ensure both private companies and the government act in the interests of society.