The Supreme Court of India, in a significant development on December 29, 2025, put in abeyance its own judgment issued on November 20, which had accepted a restrictive definition for the ancient Aravalli Range. The earlier verdict, based on recommendations from a government expert panel, defined Aravalli Hills as landforms with an elevation of 100 meters or more, and Aravalli Ranges as clusters of such hills within 500 meters of each other. This definition had triggered widespread public concern and protests from environmentalists and activists across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, who feared it would significantly narrow the protected area and pave the way for unregulated mining and ecological degradation. Responding to this outcry and taking suo motu cognizance, a special vacation Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted the need for clarifications due to "critical ambiguities" in the earlier report and judgment. The Court observed that the restrictive definition might create a "structural paradox" by unintentionally expanding non-Aravalli areas, thus potentially allowing indiscriminate mining. Consequently, the Supreme Court ordered a stay on its November 20 ruling, ensuring that no irreversible administrative or ecological actions are taken based on the current framework. The court has now proposed the constitution of a new high-powered expert committee comprising domain experts to undertake an exhaustive, holistic, and scientific examination of the issue. This panel is tasked with resolving ambiguities, providing definitive guidance, and assessing the environmental impact of any proposed definitions. The Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, reiterating the government's commitment to the protection and restoration of the Aravalli Range. A complete ban on new mining leases or renewal of old ones in the Aravalli Hills, as defined by the 2010 Forest Survey of India report, will remain in effect until further orders. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 21, 2026.