Supreme Court Contempt Plea: A Battle Over GM Crops
The Supreme Court faces a plea for contempt proceedings against government officials accused of violating orders on genetically modified crops. Filed by Aruna Rodrigues, the plea accuses authorities of ignoring judicial directions to establish a national policy on GM crops, leading to unauthorized releases, particularly of Herbicide Tolerant rice varieties.
- Country:
- India
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has been asked to address a contempt plea against top government officials. The plea, submitted by Aruna Rodrigues, accuses the Centre of breaching court orders on the release of genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited crops.
The controversy stems from the alleged unlawful release of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) Basmati rice varieties, named RobiNOweed, and other gene-edited variants, such as Kamla (DRR Rice 100), despite a Supreme Court directive to formulate a comprehensive national policy.
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan, representing Rodrigues, highlighted to the judiciary how these unauthorized crop releases pose a threat to India's biodiversity and its status as a leading exporter of non-GMO Basmati rice. The government, on the other hand, has provided assurances that no environmental releases would occur without a proper policy.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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