Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Aravali Definition Dispute
SC takes suo motu cognisance of public furore over new Aravali hills definition, fearing ecological harm.
Photo by Aditi Gupta
The Supreme Court is set to take suo motu cognisance of the public concern surrounding the recent definition of the protected Aravali hills and range. A three-judge Special Vacation Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, will hear the matter.
The controversy stems from a November judgment where the top court accepted recommendations from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) defining Aravali hills as landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief, and an 'Aravali range' as two or more such hills within 500 metres. Critics fear this definition could open the door to unchecked mining and ecological damage, despite the SC's previous directives for strict prohibition in ecologically sensitive areas and recognition of Aravalis as a "green barrier" against the Thar desert.
मुख्य तथ्य
SC takes suo motu cognisance of Aravali definition
Previous SC judgment (November) accepted MoEF&CC definition
Definition: 100m+ elevation, Aravali range = 2+ hills within 500m
SC recognized Aravalis as 'green barrier' against Thar desert
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Geographical features and ecological significance of the Aravali Range.
Role of the Supreme Court in environmental protection (judicial activism, suo motu powers, environmental jurisprudence).
Functions and recommendations of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Challenges in environmental governance and balancing development with conservation.
Impact of policy definitions on environmental protection and land use.
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravali Range: Geographic Spread & Ecological Significance
This map illustrates the geographical extent of the ancient Aravali Range across four Indian states and the National Capital Territory, highlighting its critical role as a 'green barrier' against desertification and a biodiversity hotspot. The recent Supreme Court intervention regarding its definition underscores the ongoing environmental governance challenges.
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Evolution of Aravali Protection & Definition Dispute
This timeline traces key events and judicial interventions concerning the protection and definition of the Aravali Range, leading up to the current Supreme Court suo motu cognisance.
The Aravali Range has been a subject of environmental concern for decades due to extensive mining, deforestation, and urbanization. The judiciary has consistently intervened to protect this vital ecosystem, leading to a complex interplay between environmental policy, development pressures, and judicial oversight. The current dispute over definition reflects the ongoing struggle to balance these competing interests.
- 2015Supreme Court reiterates strict ban on illegal mining in Aravalis, emphasizing their ecological fragility.
- 2018SC directs states to take action against illegal constructions and encroachment in Aravali forest areas.
- 2022MoEF&CC initiates review of definitions for various ecologically sensitive landforms, including hills and ranges, to standardize protection norms.
- 2023Supreme Court, in a separate case, refers to Aravalis as a 'green barrier' against the Thar Desert, highlighting their environmental importance.
- November 2025MoEF&CC's new definition of Aravali hills (elevation ≥ 100m) and range (two or more hills within 500m) is accepted by the Supreme Court.
- December 2025Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of public concern regarding the new Aravali definition, fearing ecological damage.
और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
The Aravali Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, stretching approximately 692 km across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. Historically, it has been recognized for its ecological significance, acting as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert and serving as a crucial water recharge zone and biodiversity hotspot.
The Supreme Court has, in several past judgments (e.g., M.C. Mehta cases), emphasized the need for strict protection of the Aravalis, prohibiting mining and construction in ecologically sensitive areas.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
The Supreme Court recently accepted a new definition for 'Aravali hills' and 'Aravali range' proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This definition specifies 'Aravali hills' as landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief, and an 'Aravali range' as two or more such hills within 500 metres.
This new definition has sparked significant public concern and criticism, with environmentalists fearing it could exclude large tracts of the existing Aravali region from protection, thereby opening them up to unchecked mining, deforestation, and real estate development. Consequently, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of these public concerns, indicating a potential review of the accepted definition.
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravali Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world. 2. Guru Shikhar, its highest peak, is located in the state of Rajasthan. 3. It acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. 4. The range is primarily composed of metamorphic rocks and extends across four Indian states and one Union Territory. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct: The Aravalis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountain ranges. Statement 2 is correct: Guru Shikhar, located in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, is the highest peak. Statement 3 is correct: Its orientation helps in checking the spread of the Thar Desert. Statement 4 is incorrect: While it extends across four states (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi), Delhi is a National Capital Territory, not a Union Territory in the traditional sense, and the range is not primarily composed of metamorphic rocks but also igneous rocks. More importantly, the 'one Union Territory' phrasing is slightly ambiguous and often refers to Delhi as a state-like entity rather than a UT in the context of mountain range spread. However, the primary inaccuracy is the 'primarily metamorphic rocks' as it has a complex geological history with both igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the 'Union Territory' part is often referred to as NCT of Delhi, which functions differently from typical UTs.
2. In the context of the Supreme Court's 'suo motu cognisance' in environmental matters, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It allows the Supreme Court to initiate proceedings on its own motion, without a formal petition from an aggrieved party. 2. The power of 'suo motu cognisance' is explicitly mentioned and defined under Article 136 of the Indian Constitution. 3. It is often exercised in cases involving significant public interest, violation of fundamental rights, or matters of grave environmental concern. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Statement 1 is correct: Suo motu cognisance means 'on its own motion' and allows the court to take up a case without a formal petition. Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Supreme Court has the power of suo motu cognisance, it is not explicitly mentioned or defined under Article 136 (which deals with Special Leave Petitions). This power is largely derived from the court's inherent powers, its role as a protector of fundamental rights (Article 32), and its broad powers under Article 142 (to do complete justice). Statement 3 is correct: Suo motu actions are frequently taken in matters of public importance, including environmental protection, human rights, and social justice, where the court perceives a failure of other state organs.
3. Regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment on the definition of Aravali hills and range, consider the following statements: 1. The new definition was accepted based on recommendations from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). 2. An 'Aravali hill' is now defined as a landform with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief. 3. Critics fear this definition could lead to increased ecological damage due to unchecked mining and development. 4. The Supreme Court had previously recognized the Aravalis as a 'green barrier' against the Thar desert and directed strict prohibition in ecologically sensitive areas. Which of the statements given above are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
All four statements are correct as per the provided news article. Statement 1: The definition came from MoEF&CC recommendations. Statement 2: The definition specifies 100m or more above local relief. Statement 3: Critics' concerns about unchecked mining and ecological damage are explicitly mentioned. Statement 4: The SC's previous recognition of Aravalis as a 'green barrier' and directives for strict prohibition are also stated in the article.
4. Which of the following statements correctly describes the 'local relief' in a geographical context, as mentioned in the definition of Aravali hills?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Local relief, in geography, refers to the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points within a relatively small, localized area. It measures the vertical variation in a landscape over a short distance, distinguishing it from absolute elevation (above sea level) or regional average elevation. This concept is crucial for defining landforms like hills and mountains based on their prominence relative to their immediate surroundings.
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