New Delhi , 21 Jan : The Supreme Court on Wednesday chose to continue the suspension of its earlier ruling that laid down a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills, directing that the present situation remain unchanged until further notice.
A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant passed the order.
Along with CJI Surya Kant, the Bench included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, who reaffirmed that the interim order keeping the previous judgment in abeyance would remain in force.
The case deals with crucial legal and environmental questions linked to the conservation and identification of the Aravalli mountain range.
The apex court once again highlighted the need to form a dedicated expert committee to examine every dimension of the dispute concerning the Aravalli Hills. According to the court, the panel would comprise renowned environmentalists, scientists and mining specialists, and would function under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
The CJI-led Bench instructed all stakeholders to propose names of experts possessing specialised knowledge relevant to the issue.
“Similarly, we have requested the learned Solicitor General as well as the amicus curiae to suggest the names of some eminent environmentalists/scientists, who are experts having special expertise, so that a body can be constituted to look into and examine all the aspects,” the apex court noted.
Strong Warning on Illegal Mining Activities
Expressing concern over submissions that unauthorised mining continues in certain pockets of the Aravalli region, the Supreme Court issued clear directions to the Rajasthan government to immediately prevent any illegal extraction.
The Bench emphasised that authorities must initiate strict legal action against those violating the law, warning that unchecked mining seriously threatens the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Representing the Rajasthan government, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj assured the court that the state administration will act swiftly to halt all illegal mining activities without delay.
The Supreme Court also instructed all parties to submit a detailed note outlining the legal issues involved in the matter to assist the court in further deliberations.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for four weeks, during which it will examine the submissions and decide the future course of action for the protection and regulation of the Aravalli Hills.
