SC issues notice to Centre on plea to ban GM crops
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a PIL seeking a ban on introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in the country without a proper regulatory framework there being in place to rule out the possibility of health hazards.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a PIL seeking a ban on introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in the country without a proper regulatory framework there being in place to rule out the possibility of health hazards.
The notice was issued by a Bench of Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, Justice C K Thakker and Justice R V Raveendran on a PIL filed by environmentalist Vandana Shiva who claimed that introduction of GM products could lead to severe health and environmental hazards.
Contending that right to life, health, information and choice were fundamental rights under the Constitution, she sought a direction to the government to take all necessary steps to ensure safety of health and life of the people of the country by putting in place a regulatory mechanism.
The petitioner urged the court to ask the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other concerned ministries to set up national health, scientific and bio-diversity capacity under public domain to assess the health and safety aspects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The petitioner said while most countries were banning GM products, India was being used by multi-national companies as a dumping ground for such products.
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"If such products are allowed to be introduced either by import or by production in India, there is a risk that the lives of people will be threatened by severe health hazards as these GMOs are known to carry viruses and antibiotic resistant genes which can cause serious illness and even death...," she said in her petition.Download
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