Overview The Supreme Court has ordered a pause on all licensed mining activities in the Aravalli Hills until a high‑powered expert committee examines whether mining can be permitted and, if so, to what extent. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant , heard the suo motu petition raised over a recent change in the definition of the Aravalli region that could open the door to unregulated mining. Key Developments The Court will first obtain opinions from domain experts on the feasibility and monitoring mechanisms for mining in the region. All existing mining licences remain in a status‑quo freeze until the expert committee submits its report. The MoEFCC has been asked to propose a panel of specialists and provide data on the Aravalli’s total area, forest cover and human settlements. Advocates and the Amicus Curiae K Parameshwar submitted a detailed note on potential issues; parties have until 10 March 2026 to file their observations. Senior advocate Jai Cheema has been directed to assist the Court as a domain expert. Important Facts In November 2025, the Court had accepted an operational definition of the Aravalli Hills proposed by a Ministry committee: any landform in designated districts with a minimum elevation of 100 metres from the local relief, including adjoining slopes. When two or more such hills lie within 500 metres of each other, they constitute an Aravalli Range . The Court also directed the Union Government to draft a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining before any new activity could commence. On 29 December 2025, the Court stayed its earlier November directions, citing misinterpretation of the expert committee’s report and emphasizing the need for an impartial, independent expert opinion. UPSC Relevance This case touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas: Polity (GS2) : Role of the Supreme Court in environmental governance, suo motu powers, and the functioning of expert committees. Environment (GS3) : Conservation of the Aravalli ecosystem, sustainable mining, and the mandate of the MoEFCC. Geography (GS1) : Physical characteristics of the Aravalli range, its ecological significance, and human‑environment interaction. Ethics (GS4) : Balancing developmental aspirations with environmental stewardship; the principle of precautionary approach. Way Forward The Court will soon constitute the expert committee, which is expected to address: Precise demarcation of the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range . Impact of the 100‑metre elevation threshold and the 500‑metre gap rule on ecological continuity. Feasibility of regulated mining in the identified gaps without compromising biodiversity. Monitoring mechanisms and enforcement agencies to oversee any permitted mining. Until the committee’s findings are incorporated, the status‑quo on mining will continue, underscoring the judiciary’s cautionary stance in environmental matters.