Supreme Court Stays Its Own Order on New Aravalli Definition, Seeks Fresh Expert Review

The Supreme Court of India has stayed the implementation of its own earlier directions concerning the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli mountain range, citing the need for further expert clarification on issues with significant environmental implications.

A vacation Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, ordered that the directions issued by the apex court on November 20, 2025, along with the previously accepted expert committee report, remain in abeyance until a fresh, independent assessment is completed.

Court Orders Formation of New Expert Committee

In its ruling on Monday, the Supreme Court observed that important ambiguities persist in the definition of the Aravalli range that was earlier approved. The Bench stated that the revised definition, particularly the 100-metre height criterion, could potentially be misinterpreted or misused, leading to unintended consequences such as unregulated mining in ecologically sensitive zones.

Emphasising the need for a fair, impartial, and scientifically sound evaluation, the Court directed the constitution of a high-powered expert committee to re-examine all relevant aspects of the Aravalli definition before any judicial or administrative directions are enforced.

Notices Issued to Centre and Aravalli States

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government and the four Aravalli States — Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi — seeking their responses in the matter, which the Court has taken up suo motu.

The Bench has also requested the assistance of the Attorney General of India and senior advocate P. Parmeshwar in finalising the composition of the proposed expert panel.

Background: Concerns Over Revised Definition

The court’s intervention follows growing concern from environmentalists, conservation experts, and opposition parties over the Centre’s newly notified definition of the Aravalli range, which restricts its scope to landforms of 100 metres or more in height.

Critics argue that such a definition could exclude large stretches of the ancient hill system, thereby opening the door to mining and construction activities in fragile ecosystems that were earlier protected.

Acknowledging these concerns, the Chief Justice noted that the Court would revisit whether limiting the Aravallis based solely on elevation could undermine environmental safeguards.

Mining Restrictions Still in Force

Notably, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had already issued directions on December 24, 2025, imposing a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli landscape. This prohibition applies uniformly and is aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the region.

In November, 2025 the Supreme Court had also directed the Centre to prepare a Comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining before permitting any fresh mining activity in the Aravalli region.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that while an expert committee report had earlier been accepted, its implementation was always subject to judicial scrutiny and approval.

About the Aravalli Range

The Aravalli range is one of the oldest fold-mountain systems in the world, dating back nearly two billion years. Stretching approximately 670 kilometres, it runs from Delhi, through Haryana and Rajasthan, and ends in Gujarat.

The highest peak of the range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, with an elevation of 1,722 metres. The Aravallis play a critical role in climate regulation, groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and preventing desertification in north-western India.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court has clarified that both its earlier directions and the previous expert committee’s recommendations will remain suspended until the newly constituted expert panel submits its findings.

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on January 21, 2026, when the Court will review progress on the constitution of the expert committee and further submissions from stakeholders.