New Delhi, Dec 29(UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the implementation of its earlier directions and an expert committee report concerning the revised “definition” of the Aravalli Hills, citing concerns that the changes were being misconstrued and could potentially allow unregulated mining in ecologically sensitive areas.
A vacation bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J K Maheshwari and A G Masih, said further clarification was required before the revised definition could be implemented. “We deem it necessary that the recommendations of the committee and directions of this court be kept in abeyance,” the bench observed.
The court also ordered the constitution of a new expert committee to study issues that need to be examined or re-examined in relation to an updated definition of the Aravalli mountain range.
Notices were issued to the central government and the governments of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Haryana. The SC posted the matter for further hearing on January 21.
The suo motu proceedings were initiated following protests and concerns raised by activists and scientists over the Centre’s notification of the revised definition.
Last month, the Supreme Court had accepted a revised definition of the Aravallis and directed the Centre to prepare a comprehensive plan for sustainable mining before allowing any new mining activities in the region. Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the sustainable mining plan had already been accepted.
However, Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the committee report and the court’s earlier observations were being misunderstood. “Some clarifications are required, and prior to implementation, a fair, impartial and independent expert opinion must be considered,” he said.
