NEW DELHI, Dec 29— The Supreme Court on Monday kept in abeyance its November 20 directions that had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, saying the issue requires further examination.
Read more: What Is the Aravalli Issue and Why Are People Protesting Across India?
A vacation bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, said the court would constitute a high-powered committee of domain experts to undertake a comprehensive review.
“We deem it necessary to direct that the recommendations submitted by the committee, together with the findings and directions stipulated by this court in the judgment of November 20, 2025, be kept in abeyance,” the bench said.
The court was hearing a suo motu case titled In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues. It said certain aspects of the issue require clarification before any binding directions are enforced.
Notice was issued to the Centre and other stakeholders, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on January 21.
In its November 20 judgment, the apex court had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and imposed a ban on the grant of fresh mining leases within the Aravalli regions spread across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, pending expert reports.
