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The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that it will seek an expert assessment on whether mining should be permitted in the Aravalli region and, if so, the extent and safeguards required, while continuing the present status quo, which has brought licensed mining activity to a halt for the time being.

A Three Judge Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi was hearing the suo motu proceedings initiated amid concerns that a revised definition of the “Aravalli Hills” could facilitate unregulated mining and consequent ecological harm.

Addressing the interim halt on mining, the Chief Justice stated:"Let the first experts tell us whether mining can be allowed or not. If it is to be allowed then to what extent it can be allowed, and who will monitor it. We will cross all bridges one by one.”

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The Court observed that inputs from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) would assist in delineating the expression “Aravalli”, mapping its total area, ranges and forest cover, and identifying parts where urban and rural development has already taken place over time.

The Bench requested the MoEFCC to propose a panel of domain experts along with their profiles. It also invited counsel appearing for parties and intervenors to suggest eminent subject experts for the constitution of the high-powered committee contemplated by the Court’s earlier order dated December 29, 2025.

That order had indicated that an independent expert committee would be constituted to holistically examine issues, including: the definition of “Aravalli Hills” and “Aravalli Range”; the implications of adopting a 100-metre elevation threshold; and whether regulated mining could be allowed within 500-metre gaps between hill formations without compromising ecological continuity.

Acknowledging that licensed mining operations and related activities have come to a standstill, the Court nevertheless held that the status quo must continue until the foundational issues are addressed after the expert body is constituted. The Court observed:“We are conscious of the fact that all activities, especially mining, for which license/lease etc. and necessary permissions were granted have come to be to a halt. However such status quo would have to be maintained for the time being tell some of the preliminary issues are effectively answered after the constitution of the committee”

Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar circulated a detailed note identifying issues likely to arise. The Court granted time until March 10 for parties and intervenors to file their respective notes. It also requested Advocate Jai Cheema to assist the Court as a domain expert.

The matter will next be listed for the constitution of the expert committee and for framing the issues requiring determination.

The suo motu proceedings were initiated after concerns were raised that changes in how the Aravalli Hills are defined could enable unregulated mining activity and environmental degradation.

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In November 2025, the Court accepted an operational definition recommended by a Ministry committee for the purpose of mining regulation. Under that definition, “Aravalli Hills” refers to landforms in designated districts with a minimum elevation of 100 metres from local relief, including supporting slopes and connected landforms. An “Aravalli Range” is formed where two or more such hills are located within 500 metres of each other.

The Court had also directed the Union to prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining before permitting new mining activity. Subsequently, on December 29, 2025, the Court kept its earlier directions in abeyance after noting that the committee report and the Court’s observations were being misconstrued, and that an independent expert assessment was necessary before implementation.

Case Title: In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues 

Case No.: SMW(C) No. 10/2025

Bench: Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi