Congress MP Shashi Tharoor launched a sharp attack on the Centre&rsquo;s proposed SHANTI Bill, warning that it represents a &ldquo;dangerous leap into privatised nuclear energy&rdquo; and weakens safeguards in one of India&rsquo;s most sensitive sectors. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Thiruvananthapuram MP questioned the intent of replacing the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to allow private players into nuclear operations.
&ldquo;This kind of broad subjective exemption power undermines the very safeguards the legislation claims to establish,&rdquo; Tharoor said, cautioning that private operators could lobby for exemptions, compromising public safety. He argued that the bill lacks transparency, enforceable public participation, mandatory safety disclosures and parliamentary oversight, calling it incompatible with democratic accountability.
Raising serious concerns over liability, Tharoor highlighted that the proposed cap of 300 million SDRs (around ₹3,900 crore) is grossly inadequate when compared to disasters like Fukushima and Chernobyl. &ldquo;This is not a safety net. It is a trap door,&rdquo; he warned, adding that radiation-linked diseases often surface decades later, leaving many genuine victims without legal recourse under the bill&rsquo;s restrictive timelines.
Tharoor also objected to provisions preventing victims from filing criminal complaints directly, saying justice is being concentrated in government hands. &ldquo;Affected communities, civil society, even state governments cannot initiate action,&rdquo; he said, urging that the bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for comprehensive reworking instead of rushed passage.

Congress MP warns privatised nuclear law risks safety, justice and taxpayers

Tharoor Slams SHANTI Nuclear Bill

Congress MP warns privatised nuclear law risks safety, justice and taxpayers

December 17, 2025 | 20:49 IST