SC seeks response on impact of GM mustard

The Supreme Court on Monday sought to know from the Centre details of any possible adverse impact on the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crop.

A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud asked Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file the government’s response by July 28 to the scientific study undertaken.

The court reiterated that if the commercial rollout of GM mustard has an adverse impact, then the government would have to take a “well-informed” view before coming out with a policy decision. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for NGO Gene Campaign and others, contended that the genetically modified seeds might have adverse effects, leading to diseases like cancer. If it was so, then the court might have to restrain the government, he said.

“You will have to give an undertaking on the effects of GM mustard. If it is going to have an (adverse) impact, then we will have to take a decision,” the bench said.

Mehta sought time to file a fresh affidavit in order to enable the court to appreciate the issue based on scientific data.