Chennai High Court Grants Conditional Bail to Ammonia Plant Owners After Fatal Leak

A shrimp processing plant in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, suffered an ammonia gas leak on June 21 that killed 18 people. The plant’s owner Joseph Jagan, co‑owner Mohan and manager Daniel Titut Singh were arrested and later sought bail.

The Chennai High Court, presided over by Justice C. Kumarappan, granted them conditional bail. The court ordered compensation of ten lakh rupees for each of the deceased families and directed that further compensation be determined later. Bail conditions require the accused to appear in court daily, for police to cooperate fully with the investigation, and for the court to monitor compliance.

The ruling also stipulated that any future compensation awarded by the government or investigative agencies will not affect the amounts already ordered, and that the families of the victims remain eligible for additional relief.