Punjab-Government on Defensive

the laws setting up the necessary infrastructure. It is now the task of environmental groups and trade unions to see that these suggestions are implemented. Moreover, the SC decision has set certain precedents especially with regard to safeguarding the health and lives of the neighbouring population in the event of future leaks, and in forcing the company to bear the expense of a monitoring committee, etc. Since these precedents have been set, there is now a possibility of a number of cases of neglect of safety norms and pollution control measures, not only in the private but in the public sector as well, being brought to book. It would be a pity if this significant judgment, which is itself the result of public litigation, should remain unutilised because the environmental movement cannot carry it forward.