Supreme Court Extends Stay on Aravalli Hills Definition & Orders Mining Ban📜
🧑⚖️ Supreme Court Extends Stay
The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim stay on its earlier November 20, 2025 verdict that introduced a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The stay means the revised definition — based on criteria like a 100-metre elevation and proximity measures — will not be implemented until further orders. Status quo on legal protections remains for now.
⚖️ Reason for the Stay
The court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, said that there are critical ambiguities in the revised definition that needed expert scrutiny — especially whether using fixed metrics could exclude ecologically important parts of the Aravallis.
🧪 Expert Panel to Be Formed
The Bench directed parties to suggest names of environmental scientists and domain experts to constitute a specialised expert committee. This panel will assist the Court in assessing environmental, geological and mining-related aspects before any final decision on definition and policy.
🛑 Legal Directives on Mining
While the stay is in effect, the Supreme Court reiterated that no fresh mining permissions should be granted under the new framework, and flagged ongoing illegal mining in parts of the Aravalli region. States, particularly Rajasthan, were asked to ensure unlawful extraction is stopped and that law enforcement takes appropriate action.
🌱 Environmental Concerns & Public Reaction
Environmentalists and activists have strongly criticised the revised definition, arguing that narrowing what qualifies as “Aravalli” could lead to ecosystem degradation and increased mining pressure in previously protected areas. The Court’s pause reflects those ecological concerns.
📍 What Happens Next
The matter has been listed for further hearing after the constitution of the expert panel, during which the Supreme Court will consider new input from environmental and mining specialists before lifting or altering the stay