Supreme Court Reconsiders Definition of Aravalli Range Amid Ongoing Dispute

The Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing dispute regarding the definition of the Aravalli mountain range, temporarily halting a previous ruling that limited its definition. The court is set to form an expert panel to investigate height and mining regulations in the area. This decision comes amid significant debate over the Aravalli hills, with the court reopening the possibility of judicial review. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for environmental protection and mining activities across several states. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 13:16 IST

Supreme Court's Intervention in Aravalli Definition Dispute

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted its previous ruling from November 20, which had restricted the definition of the Aravalli mountain range to landforms rising at least 100 meters above local terrain. The apex court has decided to revisit the contentious definition of the Aravalli range and proposed the formation of an expert panel to conduct a thorough investigation into the height and permissible mining activities in the region. Amid the ongoing debate surrounding the Aravalli hills, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the controversial definition and reopened the possibility of judicial review of its earlier decision.

Related News: Will Sengar Get Relief? CBI's New Move and Supreme Court's Winter Break Decision

The case, titled 'Definition and Related Issues of Aravalli Hills and Mountain Ranges,' was heard by a special bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, and Justice A.G. Masih. This development is significant as the previous ruling, which accepted the disputed definition of the Aravalli range, was delivered by a three-judge bench led by former Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai.

Related News: Aravalli Hills Definition Dispute: Supreme Court Hearing Scheduled for Monday

On November 20, the Supreme Court had accepted a uniform definition for the Aravalli mountain range and its hills, imposing a ban on issuing new mining leases within its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until an expert report was submitted. The court endorsed recommendations from a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to protect the world's oldest mountain range.