Supreme Court of India Stays Its Own Aravalli Hills Order, Seeks Fresh Expert Review
A bench led by Surya Kant puts on hold the November 20 ruling on the definition of the Aravalli Hills, pauses mining restrictions, and calls for a new expert committee before final decision.
The Supreme Court heard the Aravalli case today, Monday, December 29th. During the hearing, the Supreme Court stated that its earlier order regarding the Aravalli Hills has been stayed. This decision will remain in effect until a new committee is formed.
The Supreme Court has stayed its own decision of November 20th and sought responses from the central and state governments. The court will now hear the case again on January 21st. This decision was delivered by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
What was stated in the earlier decision?
According to media reports, in its earlier decision, the Supreme Court approved a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and mountain ranges. Under this definition, new mining leases were halted in the Aravalli areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until an expert report is submitted.
The court accepted the recommendations of a committee formed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The committee stated that "Aravalli Hills shall be defined as any landmass within the identified Aravalli districts whose elevation is 100 meters or more above the local lowest point."
Expert advice required - Court
The court stated that a committee will study the status of the Aravalli Hills and mountain ranges over time. The committee will include experts who can work to preserve the structure and environment of these hills.
The committee will also examine whether controlled mining within a 500-meter gap between hills can be permitted. If permission is granted, what structural standards should be met to ensure environmental sustainability is not compromised. The Supreme Court also stated that the scientific justification for using the 100-meter elevation limit as the basis for identifying the Aravalli Hills should be thoroughly examined, requiring a detailed geological study.
The Court stated that before implementing the Committee's recommendations or issuing a final order, it is essential to consider the opinion of an impartial, independent, and expert body. The Court believes that all aspects of the decision should be considered and the advice of experts should be given weight before making any decision.