The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, mandates that owners of industries handling hazardous substances must carry insurance to provide immediate relief to accident victims. It applies to anyone controlling such materials, including company directors and partners. This law is crucial because it operates on a "no-fault" principle, meaning victims receive compensation for death, injury, or property damage without needing to prove the owner’s negligence in court. By establishing the Environmental Relief Fund, the Act ensures quick financial support for the public, particularly those in economically vulnerable groups, while bypassing the hardships of prolonged legal delays.
- 1. Short title and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Liability to give relief in certain cases on principle of no fault
- 4. Duty of owner to take out insurance policies
- 5. Verification and publication of accident by Collector
- 6. Application for claim for relief
- 7. Award of relief
- 7A. Establishment of Environmental Relief Fund
- 8. Provisions as to other right to claim compensation for death, etc.
- 9. Power to call for information
- 10. Power of entry and inspection
- 11. Power of search and seizure
- 12. Power to give directions
- 13. Power to make application to Courts for restraining owner from handling hazardous substances
- 14. Penalty for contravention
- 15. Penalty for non-compliance of directions
- 15A. Adjudicating officer
- 15B. Appeal
- 16. Offences by companies
- 17. Penalty for contravention by Government Department
- 17A. Penalty amount to be credited to Environmental Relief Fund
- 17B. Offence for failure to pay penalty or additional penalty
- 18. Cognizance of offences
- 19. Power to delegate
- 20. Protection of action taken in good faith
- 21. Advisory Committee
- 22. Effect of other laws
- 23. Power to make rules
PDF: pending for this language.