SC orders status quo on sowing of GM mustard; next hearing on Nov 10

The plea stated that the modified seeds can contaminate non-GM mustard crops and that the sowing of such seeds should be put on hold

The Supreme Court on Thursday told the Centre not to allow planting genetically modified (GM) mustard until the next hearing on the matter on November 10.

The Centre told the court it needed time --- till Monday --- to put the latest facts on record.

The court’s direction could come in the way of the early sowing of GM mustard this rabi season because the ideal planting time closes in 10-15 days.

The Bench of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said the petitioners had pointed out the crop was hazardous.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner Aruna Rodrigues,