CJI Surya Kant Rejects Aravalli Panel's Extension Plea, Sets November 30 Deadline

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has rejected a request by the high-powered committee examining the Aravalli Hills for additional time to complete its report, directing the panel to finish the exercise by November 30, 2026. The committee had sought an extension until February 28, 2027, citing the complexity of the task and the need for further consultations and scientific assessment. The Supreme Court, however, declined to grant the six-month extension.

During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant questioned the request for a deadline that would go beyond his scheduled retirement. Referring to the proposed February deadline, he remarked, “They’re waiting for my retirement,” making it clear that the court was not inclined to allow the matter to be delayed further. The bench directed the committee to intensify its work and meet the November 30 deadline. The court also indicated that if the panel failed to complete its assignment within the stipulated period, its composition could be reconsidered.

The case concerns the contentious issue of how the Aravalli Hills and the wider Aravalli range should be defined and demarcated. The matter has significant environmental implications because the classification of the region can determine which areas receive protection from activities such as mining and other forms of development.

The Aravalli range is one of India's oldest geological formations and stretches across parts of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its landscape includes forests, hills, wildlife habitats and groundwater recharge zones. Environmental groups have repeatedly raised concerns that a narrow definition of the hills could leave ecologically important areas outside the scope of protection.

The Supreme Court had earlier sought a fresh and comprehensive assessment of the Aravalli region following concerns over the use of a 100-metre local-relief criterion in identifying the hills. Critics argued that relying solely on elevation could exclude lower-lying areas that are nevertheless important to the ecological continuity of the range.

The expert panel has been examining several aspects of the issue, including geological characteristics, ecological significance, land use, biodiversity and the impact of human activity. It has also been asked to consult affected stakeholders before submitting its final recommendations. The court has allowed the committee to submit interim reports on specific issues where necessary rather than waiting for the completion of the entire exercise. It has also emphasised the importance of consulting local communities, including tribal groups in Rajasthan and Gujarat, along with state authorities, environmental organisations and other stakeholders.

The Supreme Court's decision to reject the extension places the committee under a firm timetable. Its final report is now expected by November 30, after which the court will examine the recommendations and determine the next course of action. The matter is scheduled to come up before the Supreme Court again on December 2, 2026. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for environmental protection, mining regulation and land-use policy across the Aravalli region.

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