NEW DELHI, December 28 — The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of issues concerning the legal and geographical definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, scheduling a hearing on the matter for Monday. This rare move by the apex court coincides with a decisive central government order imposing a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli landscape.
What is the Supreme Court’s Suo Motu Case About?
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices J K Maheshwari and A G Masih will hear the suo motu writ petition titled “In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues” on Monday, December 29. The court has taken up the issue on its own motion amid growing concerns over protecting the ecologically fragile Aravalli range, which stretches from Delhi to Gujarat. The hearing follows a recent central government order banning new mining leases and has raised expectations among environmental activists for a positive judicial shift.
What is the Central Government’s New Order?
In a parallel, decisive move, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed state governments to impose a “complete ban” on granting any new mining leases across the entire Aravalli landscape. The ministry has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify more areas in the region where mining should be banned, based on ecological, geological, and landscape factors.
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What Additional Steps Has the Centre Mandated?
The ICFRE has also been instructed to prepare a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. This plan will be placed “in the public domain for wide stakeholder consultation.” The central government has reiterated that existing mines must comply strictly with environmental safeguards and Supreme Court orders.
What Other Case is the Supreme Court Hearing on Monday?
The same three-judge vacation bench led by CJI Surya Kant is also set to hear the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) appeal challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The survivor has recently alleged collusion between the investigating officer and the judge, submitting a formal complaint to the CBI on Saturday.
FAQs:
Q: What does suo motu cognizance mean?
A: It means the Supreme Court has taken up the matter concerning the definition and protection of the Aravalli range on its own initiative, without a formal petition being filed by a party.
Q: What is the extent of the central government’s mining ban?
A: The Union Environment Ministry has ordered a complete ban on granting any new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, from Delhi to Gujarat.
Q: What is the ICFRE’s role now?
A: The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education must identify more ecologically sensitive areas for mining prohibition and create a science-based sustainable mining plan for the entire region for public consultation.
Q: What is the other case before the same Supreme Court bench on Monday?
A: The bench will also hear the CBI’s appeal against the suspension of life sentence for Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case.
