The Madhya Pradesh High Court has given the state government six weeks to ensure proper disposal of Union Carbide factory waste in accordance with safety guidelines. This follows the shift of waste, sealed in 12 containers, from the defunct factory in Bhopal to a disposal site in Pithampur, about 250 km away, on January 2, 2025. The court’s decision comes after the state's Advocate General Prashant Singh expressed concerns about unrest in Pithampur due to misinformation about the waste disposal.

The court has directed media outlets to refrain from reporting incorrect news regarding the issue. In response to public protests, including a self-immolation attempt by two men, the court emphasized the need for the state to act carefully and transparently. The waste's disposal has been controversial due to concerns over potential environmental and health risks. The state government requested three days to unload the waste, and the court approved, stressing that all actions must comply with safety regulations.

The long-standing issue dates back to the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster, when methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide factory, resulting in thousands of deaths and lasting health effects. Despite years of inaction, the court has ordered the swift removal and disposal of the waste. In a previous hearing, the court criticized the authorities for their delay in addressing the issue and warned of contempt proceedings if the directive was ignored.

The ongoing legal battle, which started in 2004, aims to ensure the safe disposal of toxic waste and address public fears, with petitions urging testing to assess the waste's current toxicity before disposal.