The Supreme Court of India has granted the High Powered Committee (HPC) a deadline until November 30 to submit its report concerning the definition and demarcation of the Aravalli Hills. This decision was made after the HPC requested an extension until February 2027, which the court declined. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, emphasised the necessity for the committee to expedite its work without further delays.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Kant noted the HPC’s request for an extension was perceived as excessively lengthy, remarking that it seemed aimed at coinciding with his retirement. The Chief Justice is expected to retire on February 9, which raised concerns about continuity in the process.

The bench instructed the HPC to work diligently, stating that it should operate “day and night” if needed. The court has made it clear that no further extensions would be granted, underlining the urgency of the matter and the importance of achieving a prompt resolution.

Context of the Aravalli Hills Proceedings

The Supreme Court has been addressing the ecological significance of the Aravalli Range, which plays a crucial role as a natural barrier between the desert regions of northwestern India and the agricultural plains to the north. The current proceedings are part of a suo motu case initiated by the court to determine how the area should be defined and protected, particularly concerning mining activities.

The HPC has indicated the need for an extensive consultation process to include all stakeholders, particularly tribal communities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, as part of its preparation. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who represented the Central Government, confirmed that an interim report had been prepared, but further time was deemed necessary to ensure that all affected parties could be properly heard.

This initiative follows a significant judgment by the Supreme Court in November 2025, which accepted an elevation-based definition of the Aravalli Hills to regulate mining operations. However, this judgment was later suspended due to worries about its ecological impact and the parameters of area protection.

Upcoming Deadlines and Future Hearings

The Supreme Court has set the next hearing for this matter on December 2, where it is expected that additional updates will be provided by the HPC. The committee was originally directed in May to produce a comprehensive conservation report by August 31, aimed at establishing a uniform framework for the protection of the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills.

As the deadline approaches, the HPC is tasked with not only fulfilling the court’s expectations but ensuring that the input from various stakeholders is adequately represented in their final report. The committee has been given a clear directive to prioritise urgent aspects of the issue through interim reports if necessary. This structured approach aims to facilitate an effective discussion and resolution of the critical environmental and legal considerations surrounding the Aravalli Range.

In summary, the Supreme Court’s directive to the HPC emphasises the urgency of delivering a concise and actionable report on the Aravalli Hills within the stipulated timeline. This process is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and addressing the legal framework required for future mining activities in the region.

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