The Supreme Court has stayed the 100-metre height-based definition of the Aravalli Hills, warning that illegal mining causes irreversible environmental damage. The Court has ordered a high-powered expert committee to re-examine ecological, mining and conservation concerns.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has resumed hearings in the landmark case In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills & Ancillary Issues. The matter, which concerns the ecological protection and legal definition of the Aravalli Hills, is crucial for the environment and governance of North India.
The hearing was presided over by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih. The bench addressed key issues, including illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the controversial 100-metre height benchmark used to define the Aravalli range.
Today’s Supreme Court Hearing
1. Suspends Earlier 100-Metre Definition
The Court had earlier accepted a 100-metre elevation criterion to define the Aravalli range, but due to widespread objections and ecological concerns, the bench put the order on hold and asked for clarification.
2. No Fresh Writ Petitions Allowed
The Court stressed that no fresh writ petitions should be filed on the same issue, as it may distract from the core legal matter. The bench urged parties to focus on the main question.
3. Illegal Mining Must Be Stopped Immediately
Senior advocates highlighted rampant illegal mining in Rajasthan, including mining on farmers’ land. The CJI warned that illegal mining is a crime and must be halted immediately, emphasizing that environmental damage cannot be reversed.
4. Expert Committee to Be Formed
The Supreme Court directed the formation of a high-powered expert committee comprising eminent environmentalists, forest experts, and domain specialists. The committee will operate under direct court supervision.
5. Amicus Curiae to Submit Detailed Note
The Court granted four weeks to Amicus Curiae K. Parameshwar to file a comprehensive note addressing the definition of Aravallis, key issues, and proposed solutions.
6. Distinct Consideration of “Forest” and “Aravalli”
The Court clarified that the definition of “forest” and “Aravalli” will be examined separately, as they involve different legal and ecological implications.
7. Strong Oversight and Monitoring
The bench indicated the need for stronger monitoring and hinted at the possibility of setting up a court-supervised independent monitoring committee.
ALSO READ: Aravalli Hills Row: Why the Supreme Court’s Stay Matters for India’s Environment
The Aravalli range is the green spine of North India, stretching across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It plays a crucial role in:
- Groundwater recharge
- Climate regulation
- Wildlife corridor protection
- Preventing desertification
- Reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR
A narrow definition based solely on height could exclude lower-lying Aravalli stretches, which are equally essential for ecological balance. Environmental experts argue that these areas must remain protected, even if they don’t meet the 100-metre benchmark.
Court’s Order So Far
The Supreme Court has kept its November 20, 2025, order, which accepted the 100-metre elevation criterion for defining the Aravalli Hills, in abeyance, observing that the issue requires deeper examination.
The implementation of the earlier definition has been stayed until further orders. To address the ambiguities surrounding the scope and ecological impact of the proposed definition, the Court has directed the constitution of a high-powered expert committee to conduct a comprehensive review and place its findings on record.
Notices have been issued to the Union Government as well as the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, seeking their responses. The matter will be taken up for further consideration after the amicus curiae submits a detailed note outlining the issues and questions involved.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing after four weeks, once the expert committee report and amicus note are submitted.
Case Title:
In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills & Ancillary Issues
SMW(C) No. 10/2025
READ LIVE COVERAGE
Click Here to Read More Reports On Aravalli Hills