NEW DELHI : SC asked the environment ministry and other stakeholders on Thursday to suggest names of domain experts for the committee to be tasked with defining the Aravali hills and ranges, and observed that only lawful mining would be allowed in the region.The top court, on Dec 29, had taken note of the outcry over the new definition of Aravalis and kept in abeyance its Nov 20 order accepting a uniform definition of the hills and ranges. It had also put all mining on hold.On Thursday, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi extended its earlier stay order on mining for the time being.Aravali case: We will allow lawful mining only, says SCDuring the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for a litigant, said the company had a mining license and had won the right to mine after a protracted battle. Now, because of the court order, mining had been stalled.“We will allow lawful mining only… let the experts tell us (the definition). We will cross all bridges and reach the right destination,” the CJI said.The bench asked lawyer Jay Cheema to assist it. Senior advocate K Parmeswar is already assisting the bench as amicus curiae.“We request the (environment) ministry to suggest a panel of domain experts along with their profiles. Senior counsel are also requested to give profiles of some eminent domain experts for the purpose of constituting the committee, as was observed by this court,” the bench said.The bench said it was conscious of the fact that all activities, especially mining by licenced firms, have come to a halt. “However, status quo will have to be maintained for the time being till some preliminary issues are answered in a phased manner. Post this matter for the constitution of the committee,” the CJI said.The bench asked stakeholders to submit written notes by March 10 after the amicus curiae submitted his suggestions on the aspect of definitions of the Aravali hills and ranges.The bench said it will set up the panel of experts and frame issues to be decided on the next date of hearing.Earlier, the bench said it seemed prima facie that the earlier report of a committee and the verdict had “omitted to expressly clarify certain critical issues” and there was a “dire need to further probe” to prevent any regulatory gaps that might undermine the ecological integrity of the Aravali region.“There has been a significant outcry among environmentalists, who have expressed concern about the potential for misinterpretation and improper implementation of the… definition and this court’s directions,” the bench had said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’AI Only Works With What Has Been Expressed So Far’: Prasoon Joshi Gets Candid At DNPA 2026India & Israel Sign Multiple MoUs On Agriculture & AI During PM Modi & Netanyahu’s Bilateral MeetIndian Navy’s New Hunter, INS Anjadip To Targets Submarines Close To CoastFair Pay, Consent, Online Safety: Ashwini Vaishnaw Draws Red Line For Digital Platforms’We Do See A Role, But..’: India Backs Trump’s Gaza Plan As Modi, Israel PM Discuss US-Iran Conflict‘India Essential To Middle East Future’: Israeli Prez Herzog Tells PM Modi, Lauds Economic Growth’UPI Will Be Used In Israel’: PM Modi After Key Meet With Netanyahu, Pushes India-Israel FTAI&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Sounds Big Alert On Cybercrime, Pushes Fair Revenue For CreatorsJamaat Chief Exposes Political Faultline In Bangladesh, Backs Yunus After President’s Big Charge’Owe India A Great Lot Of Debt’: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu Hails PM Modi During Joint Statement123PhotostoriesMansa Devi Mandir: The sacred Shakti Peeth where dreams come trueMorning metabolism boost: 5 habits that may help burn fat naturally and support lasting energy7 days mantra guide for you; attract positive vibesHoli 2026: How to make classic Malpua at home10 must-try Chicken snacks for Holi party at homeFrom red aalta to warrior-gold cuffs: Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding look screams maximalist groom energyDelhi’s 61-km road along with Najafgarh drain corridor to ease traffic and boost connectivityWorld’s 8 most stressful cities to live in and their biggest pressure pointsNot just the clothes! Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s heritage wedding jewellery has the internet talking1500 kg fake paneer and mawa seized in Ghaziabad: 8 smart alternatives for popular dishes for the Holi celebration123Hot PicksNew Indian Railways reformsSaudi poultry import banGold rate todayBihar wedding shootIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingCandace OwensKayla NicoleMadison BeerJoel EmbiidVanessa BryantTony DungyDan MuseNHL Trade RumorsWWE Elimination Chamber 2026Ron Duguay
NEW DELHI : SC asked the environment ministry and other stakeholders on Thursday to suggest names of domain experts for the committee to be tasked with defining the Aravali hills and ranges, and observed that only lawful mining would be allowed in the region.The top court, on Dec 29, had taken note of the outcry over the new definition of Aravalis and kept in abeyance its Nov 20 order accepting a uniform definition of the hills and ranges. It had also put all mining on hold.On Thursday, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi extended its earlier stay order on mining for the time being.Aravali case: We will allow lawful mining only, says SCDuring the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for a litigant, said the company had a mining license and had won the right to mine after a protracted battle. Now, because of the court order, mining had been stalled.“We will allow lawful mining only… let the experts tell us (the definition). We will cross all bridges and reach the right destination,” the CJI said.The bench asked lawyer Jay Cheema to assist it. Senior advocate K Parmeswar is already assisting the bench as amicus curiae.“We request the (environment) ministry to suggest a panel of domain experts along with their profiles. Senior counsel are also requested to give profiles of some eminent domain experts for the purpose of constituting the committee, as was observed by this court,” the bench said.The bench said it was conscious of the fact that all activities, especially mining by licenced firms, have come to a halt. “However, status quo will have to be maintained for the time being till some preliminary issues are answered in a phased manner. Post this matter for the constitution of the committee,” the CJI said.The bench asked stakeholders to submit written notes by March 10 after the amicus curiae submitted his suggestions on the aspect of definitions of the Aravali hills and ranges.The bench said it will set up the panel of experts and frame issues to be decided on the next date of hearing.Earlier, the bench said it seemed prima facie that the earlier report of a committee and the verdict had “omitted to expressly clarify certain critical issues” and there was a “dire need to further probe” to prevent any regulatory gaps that might undermine the ecological integrity of the Aravali region.“There has been a significant outcry among environmentalists, who have expressed concern about the potential for misinterpretation and improper implementation of the… definition and this court’s directions,” the bench had said.
