Atomic Energy Law in India: An Analysis

Abstract

Creation of clean energy, a prerequisite of sustainable development, is a daunting task as it has always been a process of choosing the best from many options like thermal, hydro, nuclear etc. Each option has its own merits as well as demerits, for example, if nuclear energy is opted, it is believed to be comparatively less polluting than the thermal power stations. This belief endures until something goes wrong. In this context it is the purpose of the legal system to oversee that the method of production of energy is designed to protect the interest of every stakeholder. Law relating to nuclear energy needs special attention, especially in the wake of Fukushima incident and hence it is imperative that this branch of law analyses experiences from different countries carefully. This paper analyses the nuclear energy law in India from the perspective of a lawyer.

Keywords: Nuclear Energy, Atomic Energy Act 1962, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, Nuclear Damages Claims Commission, Nuclear Insurance, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Nuclear Liability Fund, Nuclear Damage, Nuclear Accident, Nuclear Installation, Nuclear Reactor

JEL Classification: K3, K32,K39