In the hearing against the use of genetically modified mustard seeds in India, Additional Solicitor General PS Narasimha on Monday (July 31) told the Supreme Court that the government will take a decision on this by end-September.
The PIL, filed by activist Aruna Rodrigues, seeks an urgent stay on commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard. With the decision on commercial approval of GM Mustard on the anvil, the anti-genetically modified organism (GMO) campaigner wants a moratorium on the release of any GMO into the environment pending a rigorous bio-safety protocol conducted by independent expert bodies.
Against the government clarification, the Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud ordered as follows: “A final decision will be taken by the government in September 2017. It is also pointed out that the season for planting mustard starts in October. Post this for hearing in September, 2017, and plantation shall not take effect before October.”
— India Legal Bureau