SC okays field trials of genetically modified mustard

The court, however, asks the Delhi University to take all precautionary measures, reports Satya Prakash.

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Delhi University to conduct field trials of a particular variety of genetically modified mustard developed by it.

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A Bench headed by Chief Justice YK Sabharwal, which had earlier banned all new field trials on genetically modified crops, however, asked the university to take all precautionary measures to check the possible release of GM genes into the surrounding environment.

DU had sought modification of SC’s September 22 order as the research conducted by the its Genetic Department on DMH-11 variety of mustard providing at least 40 per cent greater yield than all known varieties, had come to standstill as a result of the order.