SC to set up expert committee on Aravallis, extends stay on earlier definition

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to constitute an expert committee to undertake a comprehensive examination of mining and related issues in the Aravalli hills. The bench also extended the stay on its November 20, 2025 order that accepted a uniform definition of Aravallis, keeping the status quo until further directions.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the Additional Solicitor General and amicus curiae K. Parameshwar to suggest within four weeks the names of environmentalists and scientists with expertise in mining. The committee will work under the supervision of the court to ensure a detailed and holistic assessment of the Aravalli ecosystem.

The court noted ongoing illegal mining activities in several locations and emphasized that the Rajasthan government must ensure no unauthorised extraction takes place. Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj assured the bench that strict measures would be taken to prevent unlawful mining in the region.

The earlier definition of Aravallis, which included criteria of 100-metre elevation and a 500-metre gap between hills, faced criticism for potentially excluding significant portions of the range from environmental protection. The court had kept its November 20 order in abeyance on December 29, citing "critical ambiguities" that required expert review.

All parties have been directed to submit a comprehensive note outlining the legal questions involved in the matter. The case has been listed for further hearing in four weeks, allowing time for the constitution of the expert committee and preparation of detailed submissions.