Overview
- The three‑judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant denied the High‑Powered Committee’s request for a six‑month extension on Monday and directed it to submit a final report by November 30, 2026, while permitting issue‑specific interim reports and warning it may reconstitute the panel if the deadline is missed.
- The committee had asked for extra time until February 28, 2027, saying in an August 31 interim filing that the Aravallis cannot be defined by a single elevation test and that more geospatial data, field validation and expert analysis were needed.
- The court ordered the panel to conduct wide stakeholder hearings, specifically including tribal communities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and told the committee to 'work day and night' to meet the timetable.
- Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned the timing of the extension request, saying it appeared the panel was 'waiting for my retirement,' and scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 2 so the court can consider any interim findings.
- The ruling keeps the November 2025 elevation‑based definition (100‑metre/500‑metre rule) in abeyance and maintains restrictions on new mining permissions while the redefinition proceeds, a decision that will directly affect which hillocks and catchments receive conservation protection.