The Supreme Court on February 26, 2026, continued hearing a suo motu case concerning the definition and extent of the Aravalli hills and ranges, an issue linked closely with environmental protection and mining activities. The Court asked parties to submit written notes and indicated that expert assistance would be essential before moving further.
Background of the Case
The matter is being heard through a suo motu writ petition focusing on how the “Aravalli Hills” and “Aravalli Ranges” should be defined for legal and environmental purposes. The case has attracted multiple intervention applications and involves submissions from the Union government, senior advocates, and environmental experts.
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Earlier, the Court had requested senior advocate and amicus curiae K. Parameshwar to prepare a comprehensive note outlining possible legal and technical questions involved in the proceedings.
Court’s Observations
A bench led by the Chief Justice noted that the Court would need technical clarity to properly determine the geographical and environmental scope of the Aravalli range.
“The opinion of the Ministry of Forest and Environment shall be of eminent assistance for defining and identifying the expression ‘Aravalli Hills’ and ‘Aravalli Ranges’,” the bench observed.
The Court said the Ministry should help identify the total extent of the range, its gradients and hillocks, forest cover, and areas where settlements such as towns and villages have existed for long periods.
The bench also asked the Ministry to suggest a panel of domain experts. At the same time, amicus curiae and other lawyers assisting the Court were invited to propose names of subject specialists who could be included in the committee.
Decision
Recognising that several activities, particularly mining operations, had come to a halt due to the ongoing proceedings, the Court ordered that the current status quo must continue until preliminary issues are addressed and the expert committee is constituted.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 12, 2026, when the Court will consider forming the expert committee and framing the issues for determination.
Case Title: In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues
Case No.: Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 10/2025
Decision Date: 26 February 2026
