Supreme Court pauses Aravalli mining lease orders refusing relief to leaseholders until ecological concerns cleared

Court won’t even grant favourable orders to miners

The Supreme Court has halted further orders affecting mining leases in the Aravalli hills, saying it has received “quite disturbing” feedback about mining activity and specific ecological issues. In a suo motu case on defining the Aravalli hills and ranges, the bench led by CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said it will not hear the matter piecemeal or permit activity unless fully satisfied. Earlier, it banned fresh leases pending expert reports and scrutinised ambiguities in the new definition.