The Supreme Court on Monday put on hold its earlier directives defining the Aravalli Hills, citing the need for further clarity before implementation. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, observed that the expert committee’s report and the court’s previous observations were being misinterpreted. The Bench issued notice in the suo motu writ petition titled “Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues”, with the matter listed for January 21.
The apex court directed that all previous recommendations and judicial directions remain in abeyance until a fresh committee is constituted. “We deem it necessary that the committee recommendation and directions of this court be kept in abeyance. This stay shall remain in effect till the constitution of the (fresh) committee,” the order read.
The proposed high-powered expert committee will reassess earlier panel recommendations on the Aravalli range. It will examine whether regulated mining can be allowed in the 500-metre gaps between hills, and, if so, determine the structural parameters needed to maintain ecological continuity. The Bench also emphasized reviewing the scientific validity of the 100‑metre elevation threshold and whether a detailed geological survey is required.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Bench that the Centre had already issued directives to halt all mining activity across the Aravalli states. He clarified that no fresh mining licenses would be granted in the region until further orders. Additionally, the Supreme Court requested the assistance of Attorney General R. Venkataramani and senior advocate P.S. Parmeswar in matters relating to the composition of the proposed expert committee.
The court’s November 20 order, which limited the classification of Aravalli hills to landforms with elevations of 100 metres or more, had sparked widespread concerns over ecological protection. Following the directive, protests were reported across Rajasthan districts including Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, and Alwar, with citizens opposing mining activity in the ecologically sensitive region.
In response, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) imposed a comprehensive ban on granting new mining leases across the Aravalli range. The ministry also tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional no-mining zones and prepare a detailed Management Plan for Sustainable Mining across the entire landscape.
Experts have noted that the Aravalli Hills are an ecologically fragile range, serving as a critical watershed, biodiversity hotspot, and buffer against desertification in northern India. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need to balance development interests with environmental protection.
The ongoing review and formation of a fresh expert committee signal that the apex court aims to ensure scientifically informed and sustainable governance of the Aravalli ecosystem, while preventing misinterpretation of prior directions that could compromise the range’s ecological integrity.
