Question:
Which of the following cases established the principle of 'absolute liability' in India?
Which of the following cases established the principle of 'absolute liability' in India?
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Remember the progression: Rylands v. Fletcher gave us Strict Liability (with exceptions). M.C. Mehta gave India Absolute Liability (with NO exceptions) for hazardous industries.
Updated On: Nov 18, 2025
- M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak Case)
- Rylands v. Fletcher
- Donoghue v. Stevenson
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The principle of 'Absolute Liability' was a significant judicial innovation by the Supreme Court of India in the case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987), also known as the Oleum Gas Leak Case. The court held that an enterprise engaged in a hazardous or inherently dangerous activity has an absolute and non-delegable duty to ensure that no harm results to anyone. If harm does occur, the enterprise is absolutely liable to compensate for it, and it cannot plead any of the exceptions (like Act of God or plaintiff's fault) that are available under the rule of 'Strict Liability' laid down in the English case of Rylands v. Fletcher.
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