A 2-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on a batch of PILs challenging the approval given by the Union Government for environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard.
- Previously, in October 2022, Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change granted approval for environmental release of GM Mustard (HT Mustard DMH-11).
- Later, release of the GM Mustard was put on hold after Supreme Court asked the Centre to maintain status quo in November 2022.
Key Highlights of the judgment
- Judicial review of the decisions by GEAC is permissible.
- Union government should evolve a national policy on GM crops in consultation with all stakeholders, including states, farmers groups, etc.
- In the matter of importing GM food, the provisions of the FSSAI Act should be enforced.
About GM Crops
- GM Crops are crops whose genetic materials have been modified using laboratory-based transfer of genetic material from another organism.
- Significance: Increased crop yields, developing resistance to pesticides, climate adaptation, etc.
- Concerns: Allergic reaction, anti-microbial resistance, immune-suppression, etc.
- In India, Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved (2002) for cultivation.
Approval of GM Crops in India
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