Published: 29 December 2025Environment
Supreme Court Stays Own Judgment on 100-Metre Elevation Criterion for Aravalli Hills
The Supreme Court of India stayed its November 20, 2025 judgment that had accepted a 100-metre elevation criterion for defining the Aravalli hills. The court's stay came after nationwide protests by environmental groups who feared that the narrow height-based definition would deregulate ecologically sensitive areas.
The earlier ruling had accepted the Union government's proposed definition that only elevations of 100 metres or more above local relief would be classified as 'Aravalli hills' for the purpose of regulating mining and construction activities. Environmental organisations argued this would leave vast stretches of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR unprotected. The Aravalli range, one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, stretches over 692 km from Gujarat to Delhi and is critical for groundwater recharge and preventing desertification of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
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Linked questionMedium
Under which legislation did India's MoEFCC panel propose uniform forest penalties?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe Union Environment Ministry's Forest Advisory Committee recommended rationalising and standardising penal provisions for violations involving forest-land diversion under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, the amended name of the Forest (Conservation) Act framework.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Supreme Court do in the Aravalli 100-metre criterion case?
The Supreme Court of India stayed its November 20, 2025 judgment that had accepted a 100-metre elevation criterion for defining the Aravalli hills. The stay followed nationwide protests by environmental groups who feared the narrow height-based definition would deregulate ecologically sensitive areas.
What are the key highlights of the stay?
The Supreme Court stayed its November 20, 2025 judgment that had accepted a 100-metre elevation criterion for defining the Aravalli hills, after nationwide protests by environmental groups fearing deregulation of ecologically sensitive areas.
Who are the key authorities or stakeholders involved?
The Union government had proposed that only elevations of 100 metres or more above local relief would be classified as Aravalli hills; environmental groups opposed this definition.
What key numbers are associated with the case?
The earlier ruling used a 100-metre elevation threshold above local relief. The Aravalli range stretches over 692 km from Gujarat to Delhi and is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world.
What is the broader impact of the Aravalli definition issue on India?
The Aravalli range is critical for groundwater recharge and for preventing desertification of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
