In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills And Ranges And Ancillary Issues (Supreme Court of India)
Supreme Court Puts Aravalli Mining Framework on Hold; Constitutes High-Powered Expert Committee to Revisit Definition
The Supreme Court, by order dated 29.12.2025 in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 10/2025 – In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges & Ancillary Issues, has kept in abeyance its earlier judgment dated 20.11.2025 which had accepted the Committee-recommended definition of “Aravalli Hills and Ranges” and the corresponding regulatory framework for mining.
Noting serious concerns raised by environmentalists, stakeholders and intervenors, the Court observed that the adopted definition—particularly the 100-metre elevation criterion and the 500-metre proximity test for “Aravalli Range”—may create ambiguity, regulatory gaps and unintended ecological consequences. The Court prima facie found that critical issues relating to ecological continuity, exclusion of large tracts from protection, and possible facilitation of unregulated mining in contiguous areas require independent scientific scrutiny.
Accordingly, the Court proposed constitution of a High-Powered Expert Committee of domain specialists to conduct a comprehensive, holistic and scientific review of the Committee Report and to clarify whether the present definition narrows the protected area, whether lower hill ranges stand unjustifiably excluded, and whether “sustainable/regulated mining” under the new framework could still cause ecological harm.
Importantly, pending such examination and till the matter attains finality, the Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and its own earlier directions. As an interim measure of abundant caution, the Court has reiterated that no new or renewal mining permissions shall be granted in the Aravalli Hills and Ranges as defined in the FSI Report dated 25.08.2010, without prior permission of the Supreme Court. The matter has been directed to be listed before the Green Bench on 21.01.2026, with notice to the Union of India and the States of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat.
FULL TEXT OF THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT/ORDER
