The Bench cautioned Bhushan from making “wholesale” allegations and getting suspicious against the panel members. “The GEAC is a broad-based organisation with so many scientists,” it said, referring to the 29-member expert body.

In previous instances too, in the course of the court hearing, the court had refused to take upon itself a closer scrutiny of the workings of the GEAC.

On Wednesday, asking the Environment Ministry to consider inclusion of scientists Swaminathan and Bhargava as “special invitees” at the time of considering applications, the apex court said, “If such persons will be there, there will be transparency. Let them be invited to watch the proceedings.”

The petitioner cited a report that Russia has refused to import GM food from India. Unfazed by his submission, the Bench remarked, “Russia, US and Canada have land mass more than our country where millions are suffering due to poverty. We cannot allow millions of us to die of poverty.”

The court ensured that it is for the GEAC to examine the applications for approval with the condition that it would accept suggestions of the petitioners. As suggested by advocate Sanjay Parikh, the Bench also ordered that guidelines followed by it while granting permissions should be “disclosed”.

The Bench was firm on refusing to vet any decision taken by GEAC, as it maintained, “THe GEAC will examine. It is an expert body. We do not have knowledge about the issue. It is not possible for us to give direction as sought by you to GEAC.”