The Supreme Court on Monday said its November 20 judgment on a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and the recommendations of the expert committee will be kept in abeyance for now.
The apex court’s
previous ruling, where it accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and banned the grant of fresh mining leases inside its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, triggered sharp protests and criticism amid concerns over unregulated mining and environmental damage.
The matter, titled “In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues”, was heard by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih.
CJI Kant said the committee report and the observations of the court made last month were being misconstrued, and some clarifications are required. “Prior to the implementation of a report or direction of this court, a fair, impartial, independent expert opinion must be considered. Such a step is essential to provide definitive guidance,” he said.
The court proposed a committee of domain experts to be constituted to examine the report of the recommendations of a committee of the MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges. It framed five questions to be considered.
- Whether the definition of Aravalli restricted to 500 m area creates a structural paradox where the conservation area is narrowed?
- Has it broadened the scope of any non-Aravalli area, thus facilitating unregulated mining?
- Whether regulated mining shall be allowed in the 500 m gaps?
- If so, what precise structural parameters will be utilised to ensure ecological continuity is not compromised?
- If a significant regulatory lacuna is discovered, then whether a significant assessment would be needed to maintain the structural integrity of the range?
The court also issued notice to the Centre, all states and directed that the November 20 order be kept in abeyance. The matter will be taken up next on January 21, 2026.
