Supreme Court Puts Revised Aravalli Definition on Hold, Seeks Fresh Expert Review

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : The Supreme Court on Monday kept in abeyance its earlier directions that had prescribed a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills, observing that both the expert committee’s report and the court’s own observations were being misunderstood and misapplied. The top court said further clarity was required before any recommendations or judicial directions could be enforced on the ground.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, and comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, issued notice in the suo motu writ petition titled “Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues.” The matter has been made returnable on January 21.

“We deem it necessary that the committee recommendations and the directions of this court be kept in abeyance. This stay shall remain in effect till the constitution of a fresh committee,” the Bench ordered, effectively pausing any action stemming from the earlier directions.

The court indicated that it is considering the formation of a new, high-powered expert committee to comprehensively examine the reports and findings of all previous panels that have dealt with the definition and protection of the Aravalli range. The proposed committee is expected to take a holistic view of ecological, geological, and environmental concerns associated with the ancient mountain system.

One of the key issues flagged by the Bench was whether regulated mining could be permitted in the approximately 500-metre gaps between hill formations, and if so, what safeguards and structural parameters would be required to ensure that the ecological continuity of the Aravalli range is not compromised. The court stressed that environmental preservation must remain central to any future policy or regulatory framework.

The apex court also raised questions over the scientific basis of the 100-metre elevation threshold, which had been cited in earlier deliberations to define what constitutes the Aravalli Hills. The Bench underlined the need to assess whether this criterion is scientifically valid or whether a more detailed geological and environmental inquiry is required to arrive at an accurate and sustainable definition.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Centre has already issued directions to all Aravalli states to halt mining activities in the region. He further clarified that instructions are in place to ensure that no fresh mining licences are granted in the Aravalli landscape until further orders.

In its order, the Supreme Court also requested the assistance of Attorney General R. Venkataramani and senior advocate P.S. Parmeswar, including on matters relating to the composition, scope, and mandate of the proposed expert committee.

The issue had gained urgency following the Supreme Court’s order of November 20, which stated that only landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more would qualify as Aravalli hills. That ruling triggered widespread concern among environmentalists and local communities, who feared it could open the door to mining in ecologically sensitive areas.

Subsequently, protests erupted in several districts of Rajasthan, including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, and Alwar, opposing mining approvals in the Aravalli mountain range. In response, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change imposed a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli region. The Ministry also tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional no-mining zones and preparing a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire Aravalli landscape.

The Supreme Court’s latest order aims to bring clarity, balance development concerns with environmental protection, and prevent any irreversible damage to one of India’s most fragile and significant ecological regions.

Team Maverick