Daily
250 words
8/10
Rating

18 August 2026

SHANTI Act and nuclear disaster compensation

The topic involves a Supreme Court examination of the constitutional validity of a specific legislative act regarding nuclear liability, which directly touches upon the separation of powers and disaster management policy.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Supreme Court is examining the constitutional validity of the SHANTI Act, 2025, specifically regarding provisions that limit liability for nuclear accidents.
  • The Act caps the government’s residual liability at 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDR).
  • The Act limits the liability of the largest nuclear plant operator in India to ₹3,000 crore.
  • The SHANTI Act provides exemptions for suppliers and manufacturers from liability in the event of nuclear accidents.
  • The Supreme Court is questioning whether statutory liability caps can override the power of constitutional courts to award compensation for legal torts.
  • Petitioners argue that low liability caps may incentivize operators and suppliers to compromise on safety standards.
  • Historical context provided: Chernobyl disaster costs estimated between $235 billion and $700 billion; Fukushima Daiichi accident costs estimated at $400-445 billion.

Questions

  1. Discuss the constitutional implications of statutory liability caps in disaster management legislation. Can such legislative provisions restrict the inherent powers of constitutional courts to award compensation for tortious liability? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the balance between promoting nuclear energy investment and ensuring public safety through robust liability frameworks. How should India reconcile the need for industrial growth with the 'polluter pays' principle in the context of high-risk nuclear installations? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The SHANTI Act, 2025, as mentioned in the context of nuclear disaster management, primarily deals with which of the following?