The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other stakeholders to propose names of domain experts for a committee that will frame a clearer definition of the Aravalli Hills and ranges.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, extended its earlier stay on mining activities in the region and maintained status quo until preliminary issues are resolved.
The court said it was necessary to address “critical ambiguities” in the uniform definition it had earlier accepted on November 20, 2025. That definition, based on a committee report, described an “Aravalli Hill” as any landform in designated districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief, and an “Aravalli Range” as two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other.
Environmental groups had raised concerns that the criteria particularly the 100-metre elevation rule and the 500-metre separation standard could exclude large portions of the ancient mountain system from regulatory protection.
Taking note of the outcry, the court had on December 29, 2025, kept its earlier directions in abeyance and stalled mining operations pending further review.
During Thursday’s hearing, the Bench acknowledged that licensed mining firms have been affected by the freeze. However, it made clear that only lawful mining would be permitted once the definitional clarity is achieved.
“We will allow lawful mining only… let the experts tell us,” the Chief Justice observed, emphasizing that scientific precision must guide regulatory decisions.
The court asked the MoEFCC to submit a proposed panel of experts along with their profiles. Senior counsels were also invited to suggest eminent specialists for inclusion. Written submissions from stakeholders have been sought by March 10.
The Aravalli range, considered among the world’s oldest mountain systems, spans Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. It plays a crucial ecological role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation and acting as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar.
The Bench noted that earlier reports may have “omitted to expressly clarify certain critical issues,” potentially creating regulatory gaps that could undermine the ecological integrity of the region.
Until the expert panel is constituted and the definitional questions resolved, the court has reiterated that no fresh mining permissions shall be granted without its prior approval.
The case now moves into a technical phase, where scientific definitions may determine the future balance between environmental protection and economic activity in one of India’s most sensitive landscapes.