Supreme Court 'puts in abeyance' Aravalli Hills definition order, seeks response from Centre
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court has “put in abeyance” its earlier decision (issued on November 20) to accept the Central Environment Ministry’s definition of Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range.
Acceptance of the said definition by the top court in November had exposed most of the Aravalli region to the possibility of being used for regulated mining activities.
A bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has also ordered the formation of a new expert committee to examine issues that required to be examined in terms of the definition of Aravallis.
The Supreme Court on Monday heard a suo motu case concerning the definition of the Aravalli hills amid widespread controversy and protests. The proceedings stem from a November 20 order in which the court accepted a uniform, scientific definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, and imposed a ban on the grant of fresh mining leases in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until expert reports are finalised.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 21, 2026.
The Court has also issued notice to the Centre and the four Aravalli States - Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Haryana, seeking their response to its suo motu case on the issue.
- With inputs from agencies
