SC slams brakes on Aravalli Mining: Orders halt to illegal activities, upholds environmental safeguards
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : The Supreme Court has ordered the status quo to be maintained until further orders in the Aravalli Range case. The court also directed the state government to ensure a halt to any illegal mining activity in the Aravalli Range.
On Wednesday, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant heard the case. The Supreme Court directed the formation of a committee to investigate the matter. The CJI stated that the court was considering more stringent monitoring. He said, "We will form a committee consisting of experts in their respective fields. This committee will submit a report on the Aravalli region. The committee will work under the court's direction and guidance."
Lawyer Raju Ramachandran, representing farmers from Rajasthan, told the court that mining leases were being granted and trees were being cut despite Justice Oka's 2024 order. He demanded a stay on this. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed concern and said that illegal mining must be stopped. It is a crime.
Chief Justice Surya Kant told officials that they must put their machinery to use, as illegal mining could have disastrous consequences. The Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to ensure that no illegal mining occurs. The court sought suggestions from all parties regarding the names of environmentalists, scientists, and mining experts.
During the hearing, the bench clarified that the question of defining "forests" and "Aravallis" would be examined separately. The court stated that both issues raise distinct concerns and would require separate consideration. The matter will be heard once the amicus curiae submits his note. The Supreme Court granted amicus curiae K. Parameshwara four weeks to file a detailed note on the definition of the Aravallis.
In the last hearing, the Supreme Court had stayed its earlier directions regarding change in the definition of Aravalli Hills.