Open AccessOkpabi and Others v Royal Dutch Shell plc and Another [2021] UKSC 3
Author(s) -
Ciara Hackett,
Samantha Hopkins,
Ciarán O’Kelly,
Clare Patton
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
northern ireland legal quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2514-4936
pISSN - 0029-3105
DOI - 10.53386/nilq.v72i1.922
Subject(s) - jurisdiction , supreme court , law , subsidiary , human rights , commercial law , political science , multinational corporation
The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Okpabi and Others v Royal Dutch Shell plc and Another [2021] UKSC 3 follows a similar trajectory to its predecessors, Chandler v Cape plc [2012] EWCA Civ 525 and Vedanta Resources plc and Another v Lungowe and Others [2019] UKSC. In this short note, we explore the judgment in Okpabi and the implications of increased parent liability for subsidiaries’ actions. This decision removes procedural barriers for claimants particularly around jurisdiction and civil procedure. Specifically, we reflect on the potential that this judgment has for greater access to remedy for those who have suffered a negative human rights impact because of business activities.