Aravalli definition: Supreme Court to form expert committee; seeks names of environmentalists, forest experts

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought suggestions from Amicus Curiae and other lawyers on the names of persons to be included in an expert committee proposed to be constituted to examine the issues surrounding the definition of the Aravalli hills and environmental concerns arising from mining in the hills. .A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi added that this expert committee shall work under direct control and supervision of the Court.The Court has asked Amicus Curiae K Parameshwar, Additional Solicitors General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati and KM Nataraj and other lawyers to submit names of eminent environmentalists, forest experts who can be part of the expert committee."ASG Bhati has entered appearance. ASG KM Nataraj appears for Rajasthan. Amicus Curiae K Parameshwar appears along with member secretary of the CEC. We have impressed upon Mr Parameshwar and others assisting us that a comprehensive note shall be placed along with the questions that will arise. We have also asked for names to be suggested of eminent environmentalists, forest experts etc., so that an expert body can be formed to look into all aspects and assist the court. Such a committee shall work under direct control and supervision of this court," the Court said in its order..Earlier on December 29, 2025, the Court had, in an unusual move, stayed its own earlier order that had approved a restrictive definition of the Aravallis.In the earlier judgment dated November 20, a Bench of then CJI BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria had accepted the recommendations made by an expert committee with regard to the definition as well as a prohibition of mining in core or inviolate areas.It said that any landform in the Aravalli districts having an elevation of 100 metres or more from the local relief shall be termed as Aravalli Hills.Further, it defined the Aravalli Range as “two or more Aravalli Hills located within a proximity of 500m from each other, measured from the outermost point on the boundary of the lowest contour line on either side."On November 20, the Court had accepted this definition and also decided against imposing a complete ban on mining activities in the Aravallis, observing that such a prohibition could lead to illegal mining activities, mafias and criminal activities.According to reports, such a definition would exclude more than 90 per cent of the Aravallis, leaving the same open to mining.This caused an uproar.The Court then constituted a Bench suo motu and on December 29 recalled its November 20 order..When the matter was taken up for hearing today, Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for farmers from Rajasthan, opposed the grant of certain mining leases. "Mining leases have been granted; it has to be stopped," he said."For some illegal acts where larger lands are there, people will do it and once you inform us, we will take steps. Illegal mining can lead to irreversible steps and illicit mining has to be stopped. It is an ex facie crime and will be published. But let not fresh writs be filed. It diverts the focus from the main issue," CJI Kant responded.Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for an intervenor, AD Singh, said that mountain ranges cannot be given a strict definition."It is our position in law that mountains cannot be defined. There is sub-tectonic strata which keeps changing. We need a preliminary hearing for half an hour. If Aravalli is defined, then it will be the start of a problem," Sibal said.ASG Nataraj assured that no illegal mining will take place."It is submitted that illegal mining is taking place in scattered places and Mr Natraj assured that no such illegal mining shall take place. Interim directions issued on December 29, 2025, shall operate," the Court directed.It then sought the names of persons to be included in a new expert committee proposed to be constituted to examine the matter..[Read Live Coverage].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.