The Supreme Court will constitute a panel of domain experts to help define the term “Aravalli” in an ongoing suo motu environmental case. The Court has ordered status quo on mining and related activities until key preliminary issues are decided.
The Supreme Court of India heard a suo motu public interest matter regarding the proper definition and identification of the Aravalli Hills and related environmental concerns. The case is being heard by a Bench comprising the Chief Justice of India, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi.
The Aravalli range, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, stretches across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat. Over the years, large-scale mining, construction and real estate development in these regions have raised serious environmental concerns.
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The absence of a clear and uniform definition of what constitutes the “Aravalli Hills” has led to confusion in regulatory enforcement and environmental protection measures. Taking note of these issues, the Supreme Court initiated the present proceedings on its own motion.
On 16 December 2025, the Court passed an important direction to streamline the hearing. As recorded in the order,
“On 16 December, this Hon’ble Court requested the learned Senior Counsel and counsel appearing in the matter to file a comprehensive note together with the proposed questions likely to arise for consideration in the present proceedings.”
This step was aimed at ensuring that all legal and scientific aspects are clearly identified before the matter proceeds further.
Following this direction, the Court prepared a tentative list of issues for discussion. The order notes that
“Pursuant thereto, the Court has circulated a set of tentative issues. Let copies thereof be furnished to the learned Senior Counsel and counsel for the parties, as well as to any persons seeking to assist this Court as intervenors.”
This indicates that the Bench is encouraging wider participation, including from intervenors who may assist the Court on environmental, geological and regulatory aspects.
In the latest hearing, the Court stated,
“We are presently considering the identification of domain experts who may assist this Court in the matter.”
This shows that the Bench is looking for scientific and technical assistance to arrive at a proper and practical definition of the Aravalli Hills.
The Court has also given additional time to the parties to complete their submissions. The order records,
“The contesting parties to the proceedings are granted further time to submit their respective notes as sought, by the end of March 2026. It is made clear that no further extension of time shall be granted, as any such indulgence would unnecessarily delay the proceedings.”
The Bench has made it clear that the matter must move forward without repeated adjournments.
Importantly, the role of the Union government has been highlighted. The Court observed,
“The opinion of the Ministry of Environment and Forest shall have a direct bearing on the issues involved and will be of significant assistance to this Court for the purpose of defining the expression in question “Aravalli”.”
This makes it clear that the technical and policy input of the Ministry will play a central role in shaping the final outcome.
Further, the Court directed active steps towards forming an expert body. The order states,
“The Ministry is requested to place on record the proposed panel of domain experts along with their profiles.”
The Bench also noted that
“learned counsel may also assist for the purpose of facilitating the constitution of the committee, as was observed by this Court on the very first date, i.e., 29 December 2025.”
This reflects the Court’s intention to ensure that the committee is properly constituted with qualified experts.
The Bench also acknowledged the ground realities, particularly the impact of the ongoing proceedings on economic activities. It observed,
“We are conscious of the fact that various activities — particularly mining operations for which licences, approvals, and other requisite permissions had been granted by the competent authorities — have presently come to a standstill.”
This statement recognises that several mining and related operations have been halted due to the uncertainty surrounding the definition of the Aravallis.
At the same time, the Court has decided to maintain the present situation until further clarity emerges. In a significant direction, it ordered,
“The existing status quo shall be maintained for the time being, until certain preliminary issues are effectively addressed in a phased manner after the constitution of the committee.”
This means that no fresh changes will be allowed until the expert committee is formed and initial issues are examined.
The Bench has also fixed the matter for further proceedings. It directed,
“Post the matter at 2:00 p.m. for the purpose of constituting the committee and formulating the issues that would arise for determination. The necessary material, including notes, if any, shall be placed on record in the meantime.”
Finally, the Court ordered,
“List the matter in the coming week under the miscellaneous heading.”
The outcome of this case is likely to have a major impact on environmental governance, mining regulation and urban development across States falling within the Aravalli range. A clear judicial definition of the “Aravalli Hills” could determine the future of several ongoing and proposed projects, while also strengthening environmental protection in ecologically sensitive zones.
Case Title:
IN RE: DEFINITION OF ARAVALLI HILLS AND RANGES AND ANCILLARY ISSUES
(SMW(C) No. 10/2025),
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