Supreme Court Pauses Aravalli Hills Order, Seeks Fresh Expert Review

In a significant environmental governance development, the Supreme Court of India has stayed its earlier ruling on the Aravalli Hills. The court acknowledged confusion over the definition of the Aravalli range and ordered a fresh independent expert committee to reassess the environmental implications, especially related to mining.

What Is the News?

• On December 29, 2025, a Bench led by Justice Surya Kant stayed the Supreme Court’s earlier order that had defined the Aravalli hills largely on the basis of an expert committee dominated by bureaucrats.
• The Bench also comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, held that the matter required greater clarity and scientific reassessment to prevent unintended ecological consequences.

Why Did the Supreme Court Stay Its Own Order?

The court observed that the definition of the Aravalli hills and mountain ranges approved earlier had led to widespread confusion and public concern.

Key reasons cited by the court include,

• Ambiguity in how Aravalli hills were identified
• Fear that a narrow definition could allow expanded mining activity
• Concerns over irreversible environmental damage in an ecologically sensitive zone
• Due to these issues, the court decided to pause implementation of its earlier directions.

New Expert Committee: What Has the Court Ordered?

The Supreme Court directed the constitution of a fresh committee of independent experts, distinct from the earlier panel.

Mandate of the New Committee

• Reassess the environmental impact of mining in the Aravalli region
• Examine whether regulated or sustainable mining is environmentally viable
• Clarify scientific definitions of ‘hills’ and ‘mountain ranges’
• Provide independent, non-bureaucratic expertise

Until the committee submits its findings, both the earlier committee’s recommendations and the Supreme Court’s previous ruling remain in abeyance.

Centre’s Stand on the Issue

The Union government, represented by Tushar Mehta, defended the earlier process.

The Centre argued that,

• An expert committee was duly constituted
• Its report was submitted and accepted by the court
• Misconceptions had arisen regarding the intent of the ruling

However the court maintained that an independent expert reassessment was necessary to resolve ambiguities.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court stayed its own Aravalli Hills ruling due to ambiguity.
• A fresh independent expert committee will reassess mining impacts.
• Earlier committee recommendations and court directions are kept in abeyance.
• The case underscores the precautionary principle in environmental law.
• Aravalli Range is ecologically crucial for climate regulation and biodiversity.

Question

Q. Why did the Supreme Court stay its earlier Aravalli Hills ruling?

A. Change in mining policy by states
B. Lack of Union government consent
C. Confusion over definition of Aravalli hills and ecological concerns
D. Absence of any expert committee