SC extends stay on Aravalli Hills definition, orders mining ban
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended its interim stay on an earlier verdict revising the definition of the Aravalli Hills and directed strict enforcement against illegal mining in the ecologically sensitive region.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, maintained the status quo pending further hearings. The court proposed forming a specialised expert committee comprising environmentalists, scientists and mining experts to examine all aspects of the Aravalli range issue under its direct supervision.
Directing all parties to suggest names of domain experts, the bench said the committee would provide comprehensive technical input. Taking note of reports about ongoing illegal mining, the court ordered the Rajasthan government to immediately halt such activities and ensure the law takes its course against violators.
Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj assured the court that the state would enforce the directive promptly. The Supreme Court also asked parties to file comprehensive notes outlining the legal questions involved, listing the matter for hearing after four weeks.
(Inputs from IANS)