Supreme Court Directs Environment Ministry to Propose Domain Experts for Panel
Top Court Extends Mining Stay, Seeks Expert Input on Aravalli Definition
India, Feb. 27 — The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other stakeholders to propose names of domain specialists for a panel tasked with clarifying the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges. The court reiterated that only lawful mining would be permitted in the ecologically sensitive region.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi extended its earlier stay on mining activities, observing that the status quo must continue until preliminary issues are resolved in phases.
The matter stems from the court’s November 20 order accepting a uniform definition of the Aravallis based on a ministry-appointed committee’s recommendations. However, following widespread concerns from environmentalists, the court on December 29 kept aspects of that order in abeyance and halted mining operations, citing the need to address “critical ambiguities.”
Among the concerns flagged were whether criteria such as a minimum 100-metre elevation and a 500-metre gap between hills could exclude large portions of the range from environmental safeguards. The bench noted that earlier findings appeared to have omitted clarity on certain key issues, potentially creating regulatory gaps that could threaten the ecological integrity of one of the world’s oldest mountain systems.
During Thursday’s hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that licensed mining operators were facing losses despite holding valid permissions. In response, the Chief Justice stated that lawful mining would be considered once experts provide clarity on the definition framework.
The court requested the environment ministry to submit a proposed list of domain experts along with their profiles. Senior counsels were also asked to suggest eminent specialists for inclusion in the proposed committee. The bench indicated it would formally constitute the panel and frame issues for determination at the next hearing.
Stakeholders have been directed to file written submissions by March 10 after the amicus curiae presents recommendations on definitional aspects of the Aravalli hills and ranges.
The case continues to have significant implications for mining activities across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, where fresh leases remain barred pending expert review.
