Question : EXTRADITION OF BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY ACCUSED

(a) whether the Government has been trying for the extradition of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy accused from America for the last 20 years;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is aware that the accused Shri Warren Anderson has crossed the age of 80 years and under the extradition treaty in America a person crossing the age of 80 years can not be punished;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government is considering to punish the group of officials engaged in bringing Shri Warren Anderson from America; and

(f) if so, the action proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard and the time by when they will be punished?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) & (b) No. The formal request for the extradition of Warren Anderson was sent to the United States Government in May 2003 to stand trial in the criminal case concerning the Bhopal Gas Leak Tragedy. In June 2004, the United States Government informed that it has examined the request and concluded that the request cannot be executed because it does not meet the requirements of certain provisions of the Extradition Treaty between India and the United States.

(c) There is no provision in the Extradition Treaty which prohibits a person from being extradited because of his/her age.

(d) Does not arise.

(e) No.

(f) Does not arise.