The Supreme Court has constituted a five-member High-Powered Committee to conduct a scientific review of the Aravalli Hills definition and demarcation issues in In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues [Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 10 of 2025]. The Committee, comprising experts in forestry, geology, biodiversity, and environmental governance, must submit its report by August 31, 2026.
Bench and Proceedings
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi passed the order on May 25, 2026. Amicus Curiae Jatinder Jay Cheema assisted the Court. The Court also recorded assistance from the Attorney General for India, the Solicitor General of India, Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, and the Central Empowered Committee.
Background of the Matter
The proceedings concern the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges and the environmental impact of their identification and demarcation. A committee report dated October 3, 2025, submitted under the Court’s May 9, 2024 order, led to extensive directions issued on November 20, 2025.
Later orders dated December 29, 2025, and February 26, 2026, highlighted the need for an independent expert review before authorities implement the committee report and the directions contained in paragraph 50 of the November 20, 2025 judgment.
Questions Identified by the Court
The Bench identified several issues requiring expert analysis. It asked whether restricting the Aravalli Hills and Ranges to areas within 500 metres between two or more hills would significantly reduce protected land while increasing areas classified as non-Aravalli regions.
The Court also requested an examination of whether ecologically connected formations should continue to receive protection when the distance between hills exceeds 500 metres.
Another concern involved claims that only 1,048 of Rajasthan’s 12,081 hills meet the 100-metre elevation criterion. The Court sought a scientific assessment of the accuracy of this claim and whether a broader geological evaluation is necessary.
The experts will also examine which areas the proposed Aravalli Hills definition would include or exclude, the environmental effects of regulated mining in newly demarcated regions, and the short-term and long-term ecological consequences of implementing the proposed framework.
Submissions on Committee Formation
Following earlier directions, the Court received expert suggestions from the Amicus Curiae, Aravali Bachao Citizens Movement, Dr. R.P. Balwan (IFS Retd.), People for Aravallis, and the Mining Engineers’ Association of India.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) informed the Court through a short affidavit that it had no objection to the names proposed by the Amicus Curiae and did not wish to suggest additional experts.
Court’s Observations
The Bench noted that the Aravalli ecosystem represents a fragile ecological landscape with rich biodiversity. Therefore, subject-matter experts must evaluate any proposal affecting the region.
The Court stressed that policymakers should rely on scientific evidence before making decisions with far-reaching environmental consequences. It stated that the committee must objectively assess whether the proposed measures could create ecological or environmental effects that may become difficult or impossible to reverse.
The Bench further emphasized that any future decision should remain scientifically sound and consistent with environmental protection and sustainable development principles.
According to the Court, the committee requires multidisciplinary expertise in geology, soil science, biodiversity, flora and fauna, mineral resources, and geo-mapping. A holistic assessment, it observed, will help prevent unintended degradation of the Aravalli ecosystem and support effective safeguards for the ancient mountain range.
Committee Constituted by the Supreme Court
The High-Powered Committee will comprise:
- Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) – Ex Officio Chairperson;
- Dr. Subhash Ashutosh, Former Director General, Forest Survey of India – Member;
- Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Former Director, Geological Survey of India – Member;
- Mr. Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, Former Joint Secretary, MoEFCC – Member;
- Prof. Ashok K. Bhatnagar, Former Professor and Head, Department of Botany, University of Delhi – Member.
The Court also named Professor Jagdish Krishnaswamy, Dean, School of Environment and Sustainability, Indian Institute for Human Settlements, and Professor (Dr.) Laxmikant Sharma of the Central University of Haryana as Special Invitees. The Committee Chairperson may consult them whenever necessary.
Additionally, MoEFCC will nominate an officer of Director rank to serve as Member Secretary. The Committee may also engage other domain experts whenever required.
Final Directions
The Supreme Court clarified that the parameters listed in its December 29, 2025 order are illustrative rather than exhaustive. The Committee may widen the scope of its inquiry if additional issues emerge during the review.
Recognising the interests of stakeholders such as the States of Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana, environmental groups, conservationists, non-profit organisations, mining lease holders, project proponents, villagers, farmers, mine workers, and local communities, the Court directed the Committee to invite public suggestions through a formal notice.
The Committee must submit its comprehensive report by August 31, 2026. The Court has listed the matter for further hearing on September 7, 2026.
