Question

Which Public Interest Litigation case resulted in the Supreme Court of India laying down the principle of 'Absolute Liability'?

• A. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, AIR 1987 SC 1086
• B. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 1988 SCR (2) 530
• C. M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath, (1997) 1 SCC 388
• D. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC 734

Hint:

Absolute Liability = No exceptions; stricter than Rylands v. Fletcher.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding 'Absolute Liability'.
This strict liability principle without exceptions was laid down in the Oleum Gas Leak case (M.C. Mehta 1987).
Step 2: Why this case?
Court held hazardous industries liable regardless of negligence, making it the landmark case.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Absolute Liability originates from M.C. Mehta (Oleum Gas Leak), AIR 1987 SC 1086.