Overview
- A three-judge vacation bench kept its November 20 order in abeyance and signaled a fresh scientific review of how the Aravalli hills and ranges are defined and regulated.
- The Court said no mining permissions, including new leases or renewals, may be granted in areas identified by the FSI’s 2010 report without prior approval of the Court.
- The bench cited public dissent and expert objections to the 100‑metre elevation and 500‑metre proximity criteria, noting potential ecological risks and regulatory gaps.
- A high‑powered committee of domain experts will be constituted to examine mapping, ecological continuity, and the effects of regulated mining, with notices issued to the Centre and Aravalli states.
- Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the pause and affirmed that the ban on new mining leases and renewals remains in force, as the next hearing is set for January 21, 2026.