India’s apex court on Wednesday ruled that the multi-national companies (MNCs) seeking to introduce genetically modified crop seeds should approach the government-formed Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) for the approval.

The court said the Committee formed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest would be conducting the field trial before granting permission for commercial sale of the seeds.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishanan and Justice R V Raveendran said, “The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee will conduct the field trials and protect other crops from contamination of the genetically modified crops.” The court directed the government for framing the guidelines for approval of the GM crops on Indian fields.

Mr M S Swaminathan, the father of India’s green revolution and Dr K M Bhargava, a biotechnologist, would be court-appointed invitees to the Committee. Both Dr Swaminathan and Dr Bhargava would be acting as advisors to the court on matters pertaining to granting permission for the introduction of GM crops.

‘No vested interest’

Petitioner Aruna Rodrigues’ advocate Prashant Bhushan said there was no vested interest behind the petition. The transgenic crops under such trials are brinjal, cauliflower, maize, groundnut, mustard, among others. Four varieties of GM cotton have been approved by the GEAC for commercial cultivation.