The official resolution giving effect to this decision was taken in the NBA's meeting of June 20, 2011, the minutes of which were released only on August 11, 2011. The decision of the NBA reads as follows:
"A background note besides legal opinion on Bt Brinjal on the alleged violation by the M/s Mahyco/M/s Monsanto, and their collaborators for accessing and using the local brinjal varieties for development of Bt Brinjal with out prior approval of the competent authorities was discussed and it was decided that the NBA may proceed legally against M/s Mahyco/ M/s Monsanto, and all others concerned to take the issue to its logical conclusion."
The "alleged violation"referred to by the NBA is based on a complaint filed by Environment Support Group (ESG) before the Karnataka Biodiversity Board on February 15, 2011. Subsequently, the Board thoroughly and systematically investigated the matter and submitted in its May 28, 2011, letter to the NBA that "Six local varieties for development of Bt Brinjal"have been accessed in Karnataka by M/s Mahyco / Monsanto and their collaborators "without prior approval from State Biodiversity Board / National Biodiversity Authority."
Furnishing a variety of documents in support of its contention, the Board has sought "further action" by the Authority on the basis of ESG's complaint. Read the full report here.
Source: Our Bureau, FnB News.com, Mumbai.
