CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER: A CASE FOR CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF CORPORATE ENTITIES IN INDIA

AUTHOR – SHIVANESH RAM R R, LLM SCHOLAR AT SCHOOL OF LAW, CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY)

BEST CITATION – SHIVANESH RAM R R, CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER: A CASE FOR CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF CORPORATE ENTITIES IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1010-1020, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Corporate manslaughter refers to the criminal liability of corporations for deaths resulting from their gross negligence, recklessness, or failure to adhere to safety regulations. The absence of a specific legal framework in India to impose criminal liability on corporations for such offenses has led to ambiguities in judicial interpretations and inconsistent enforcement. This paper critically examines the concept of corporate manslaughter, its jurisprudential evolution, and the limitations of the existing Indian legal framework under the Indian Penal Code, Companies Act, and environmental laws. It further explores novel legal and theoretical approaches to establish corporate criminal liability and proposes a structured model for a corporate manslaughter law in India. Through case studies, comparative analysis, and policy recommendations, this research highlights the urgent need for a robust legal mechanism to ensure corporate accountability for preventable deaths.