The Union government has filed a petition seeking a compensation of 100 crores from Dow for environmental remediation costs. Dow has said in the past that its $470m (£288m) settlement for those affected by the tragedy is fair and final. Also, Dow has recently refused to provide additional compensation to the victims. The Chairman of the London Olympics, Sebastian Coe, conveyed to the Indian Mission that they had examined the legal liability of Dow and are quite satisfied with the sponsorship decision and offered to make a presentation for the Mission on the issue.

However, the Mayor of London has indicated that they would like to know India’s thinking in this matter, given the importance of the relations between India and the United Kingdom. Apart from public outcry from all over the country and the world, various NGOs have come to support India regarding this issue. Amnesty International is already critical of Dow’s link to the Olympics and has said that the sponsorship deal was a slap on the face for the survivors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It also said that the presence of other human rights groups could give the issue the global attention it deserves.

Despite the diplomatic approach of the parties involved, various questions surround this controversial and sensitive issue. Dow Chemical is questioning the Indian government regarding its late reaction to the settlement. Also, various activists are questioning Dow’s attitude towards the survivors of the Bhopal Tragedy, which seems a bit indifferent. They are also questioning Dow’s refusal to accept responsibility of the aftermath. Right now, the residents of Bhopal need all the help they can get to recover thoroughly from the disaster of 1984. After all, humanity costs nothing.