Supreme Court Extends Stay On Aravalli Verdict; Orders Formation Of Expert Committee And Directs Rajasthan Govt. To Ensure No Illegal Mining Happens

The Supreme Court today extended the stay on its November 20 verdict, ruling that the interim directions keeping the judgment in abeyance will remain in force.

The Court called for the constitution of a specialized committee of eminent environmentalists and scientists to assist the Court in examining the present case.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi ordered, "Similarly, we have requested the Ld. Solicitor General as well as Amicus to suggest the names of some eminent environmentalists/scientists, who are experts having special having special expertise, so that a body can be constituted to look into to examine all the aspects and assist this Court. It goes without saying that a certain expert committee will work under the direct control and supervision of this Court...Some of the counsels have pointed out that illegal mining is taking place at scattered places. Additionally, representing the State of Rajasthan to ensure that no illegal mining happens. The law must take its own course against those indulging in such illegal activities. The interim directions issued on 29.12.2025 shall continue to operate..."

ASG Aishwarya Singh Bhati appeared for the Union of India, ASG KM Nataraj appeared for the State of Rajasthan, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for the Applicant and Amicus Curiae K Parameshwar appeared in the matter.

While directing the State of Rajasthan to take strict action against scattered illegal mining, the Court clarified that this new expert body will function under its direct supervision to ensure the law is strictly upheld.

Appearing for an intervenor, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the protection of the Aravallis must be rooted in science, noting that mountain ranges like the Himalayas and Aravallis are defined by complex tectonic movements.

Following reports of ongoing illegal extraction, ASG KM Nataraj, appearing for Rajasthan, assured the bench that the State would forthwith ensure no illegal mining takes place.

The Court directed parties to place a comprehensive note of the legal questions involved on record and scheduled the matter for further hearing in four weeks.

Background

The Apex Court said there are issues that will require clarification. It issued a notice to the Centre and others in the suo motu matter and posted it for further hearing on January 21.

The Apex Court on November 20 accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and banned the grant of fresh mining leases inside its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until experts' reports are out.

The Apex Court had accepted the recommendations of a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the world's oldest mountain system.

The committee had recommended that "Aravalli Hill" be defined as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief, and an "Aravalli Range" will be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other.

The Apex Court on November 20 delivered a 29-page judgment in the suo motu matter arising out of the long-running environmental litigation in the T N Godavarman Thirumulpad case.

"We further accept the recommendations with regard to the prohibition of mining in core/inviolate areas with exception as carved out of the ... committee's report," the Apex Court had said. It had also accepted the recommendations for sustainable mining and the steps to be taken for preventing illegal mining in the Aravali Hills and Ranges.

Former Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai, has said in a television interview that the Aravalli Hills judgment, which was passed by a three-judge bench headed by him, was passed in a continuing mandamus case and that a subsequent bench can correct the Judgment, if there is any error in it.

Cause Title: In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues [SMW(C) No. 10/2025]