Judgment Kept in Abeyance
“We deem it necessary that the committee recommendations and directions of this Court be kept in abeyance,” the Bench said, adding that the stay would continue until a new committee is constituted. The Court issued notice in the suo motu matter, returnable on January 21, 2026.
The suo motu proceedings were initiated after widespread protests and representations by environmental groups over the revised definition of the Aravalli Hills, one of India’s oldest mountain ranges and a critical ecological barrier against desertification.
Concerns Over Mining and Ecology
The Bench underlined the need for a fair, impartial and scientifically sound expert opinion before implementing any operational definition. It flagged concerns that the revised definition may have created a “structural paradox” by narrowing the protected Aravalli area while inadvertently expanding zones where mining could continue.
The Court said it must examine whether allowing regulated mining in 500-metre gaps between hills could disrupt ecological continuity. It also questioned whether claims that only 1,048 out of 12,081 hills meet the 100-metre elevation criterion were factually and scientifically accurate.
Fresh High-Powered Committee Planned
CJI Surya Kant stated that the proposed expert committee would holistically assess the earlier report and re-examine the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The panel will also identify areas proposed to be excluded and assess whether such exclusions could threaten the ecological integrity of the region.
The Court sought assistance from Attorney General R. Venkataramani and senior advocate P.S. Parmeswaran, particularly on the composition and mandate of the new committee.
Background of the Case
The issue stems from differing definitions of the Aravalli Hills across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, which had resulted in regulatory loopholes and allegations of illegal mining. To address this, the Supreme Court had earlier accepted an operational definition recommended by a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change committee.
Under that definition, an “Aravalli Hill” was defined as a landform with a minimum elevation of 100 metres from local relief, while an “Aravalli Range” required two or more such hills within 500 metres. The Court had also directed the Centre to prepare a sustainable mining management plan before permitting fresh mining activity.
Interim Safeguards Remain
During the hearing, the Solicitor General informed the Court that notices had already been issued to states, directing that no further mining activities be undertaken until clarity emerges. Environmentalists have welcomed the pause, calling it a crucial step to prevent irreversible damage.
