The Supreme Court today asked the central government to co-opt two eminent scientists in the 29-member Genetic Engineering Approval Committee while granting permission for open field trials for genetically modified food items. The Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan named Nobel prize winner and agriculturist MS Swaminathan and former vice-chairman of the Knowledge Commission, PM Bhargav. They shall be present at the meetings of the committee to add transparency to the proceedings. The court further asked the committee to reveal the guidelines and rules under which the approval of fresh field trials are granted. It further directed the committee to take into consideration all aspects like the biosafety and environment impact before allowing field research. The public interest petition moved by Aruna Rodrigues alleges that field tests and introduction of GM food into this country was hazardous to the health of the people. The companies indulging in this business have been found guilty of bribing officials in Indonesia and Canada. In Germany, one of the companies, Monsanto, has been found giving misleading details of their research, counsel Prashant Bhushan submitted before the Bench. The government argued that it has fully taken into consideration the interests of the people before allowing food items to be released for public consumption. It also said that the court should not interfere in such matters as the experts' committee is weighing all aspects and functioning in a transparent manner. The government is guided by the committee.