Aravalli Row | Illegal Mining is an ‘Ex Facie Crime’, will be punished: SC freezes all Mining

The Supreme Court has recorded a categorical assurance from the Rajasthan Government that no mining activity, legal or illegal, will be permitted in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region, while continuing its interim protection orders in a suo motu case examining the definition and safeguarding of the Aravalli Hills. The order matters immediately as it freezes ground-level activity amid concerns that ongoing mining could cause irreversible environmental damage.

The case stems from the Apex Court’s suo motu intervention triggered by protests and environmental concerns over changes to how the Aravalli Hills are defined across multiple States, a shift feared to open the door to mining and construction in previously protected zones. During the hearing, stakeholders flagged reports of continuing illegal operations and even the grant of fresh mining leases.

The Rajasthan Government, represented by the Additional Solicitor General, assured the Court that it would ensure an immediate halt to all mining in the Aravalli area. Interventions were also entertained, while the Court signaled that broader inputs would be handled in a non-adversarial manner through the amicus curiae.

The Bench, led by the Chief Justice, warned of strict consequences for violations, observing that illegal mining can cause permanent ecological harm and stating that it “is an ex facie crime and will be punished.” Stressing that fragmented litigation should not derail the core issue, the Court continued its interim order keeping earlier directions on the revised definition in abeyance.

It also indicated the formation of an expert body comprising environmentalists and scientists to assist the Court on technical and ecological questions, directing suggestions of names and listing the matter after four weeks.