The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Union environment ministry and other stakeholders to propose names of domain experts for a committee that will finalise the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, while making it clear that only lawful mining can be permitted in the ecologically sensitive region.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, extended its earlier status quo order that has halted mining activities for the time being. The court said the pause would continue until preliminary issues around the definition of the Aravallis are resolved.
The court’s move comes amid concerns that the current criteria—such as a 100-metre elevation threshold and a 500-metre gap between hills—could exclude large portions of the ancient mountain system from environmental protection. The bench noted that these “critical ambiguities” need closer scrutiny to avoid regulatory gaps that could harm the region’s ecological integrity.
To address this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been asked to submit profiles of suitable experts. Senior lawyers appearing in the case have also been requested to suggest eminent specialists for the proposed panel. The court said it would constitute the committee and frame specific issues for determination at the next hearing.
The bench acknowledged that licensed mining firms have also been affected by the blanket halt but said the interim arrangement must remain in place. “Such a status quo will have to be maintained for the time being till some preliminary issues are answered in a phased manner,” the CJI observed.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for one of the litigants, argued that his client held a valid mining licence secured after prolonged litigation and that operations had been stalled due to the court’s earlier orders. Responding to this, the CJI said, “We will allow lawful mining only… let the experts tell us (the definition).”
On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills based on a committee report of the environment ministry and barred fresh mining leases in the region spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until expert inputs were received.
However, following objections from environmental groups and concerns over possible misinterpretation of the definition, the court on December 29 kept its earlier directions in abeyance and ordered a temporary halt to mining. It also pointed to public outcry and the need for further examination to prevent improper implementation.
The court has already directed that no mining permission be granted in areas identified as Aravalli hills under the Forest Survey of India’s August 25, 2010 report without its prior approval.
The amicus curiae, senior advocate K. Parmeswar, will first submit suggestions on the definitional issues. Stakeholders have been asked to file written submissions by March 10. The matter will then be listed for the constitution of the expert committee and further directions.
The outcome of the panel’s work is expected to determine how the Aravalli landscape is legally classified and what mining, if any, may be permitted going forward.
