GM Mustard Approval:
Highlights of SC Verdict on GM Mustard:
- Justice Nagarathna criticised the GEAC for clearing the project without relying on any indigenous studies on the crop’s effect in India and its possible environmental ramifications and only foreign research studies were considered while making the recommendation.
- In contrast, Justice Karol upheld the GEAC’s clearance for GM mustard’s commercial release
- However, both judges concurred on certain points raised during the arguments.
- They acknowledged that judicial review of decisions made by the GEAC was permissible and emphasised the need for the Centre to consider implementing a national policy.
- The judges asked the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest to formulate such a policy, along with rules, within four months.
- This policy should cover research, cultivation, trade, and commerce, and be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agriculture experts, biotechnologists, state governments, and farmer representatives.
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approved the environmental release of the transgenic mustard hybrid Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) in October 2022.
