New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday kept in abeyance its earlier directions prescribing a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills, observing that the expert committee’s report as well as the court’s observations were being misconstrued and required further clarification before implementation.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said that the recommendations and judicial directions would remain on hold till a fresh expert committee is constituted.
The Bench also comprised Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih.
Issuing notice in a suo motu writ petition titled “Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues,” the court made it returnable on January 21. “We deem it necessary that the committee recommendation and directions of this court be kept in abeyance. This stay shall remain in effect till the constitution of the (fresh) committee,” the Bench ordered.
The court indicated that it was considering the formation of a new high-powered expert committee to holistically assess the recommendations made by earlier panels on defining the Aravalli range.
The proposed committee would examine whether regulated mining could be permitted in 500-metre gaps between hills and, if so, what structural safeguards would be required to ensure ecological continuity.The apex court also said it must be assessed whether the 100-metre elevation threshold is scientifically valid and whether a detailed geological inquiry is required.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that directions had already been issued to Aravalli states to halt all mining activity and ensure that no fresh mining licences are granted in the region.
