The Union government as well as the Opposition leaders and activists from different walks of life have welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay on its judgement that had narrowed the definition of the Aravalli range to landforms rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain allowing mining activities in the foothills of peak elevation of less than 100 mtrs in the mountain range.
A larger three-judge Bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Monday granted a stay on the order in a suo moto case that came up following the cognizance taken by the court itself.
Welcoming the stay order, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Bhupendra Singh Yadav said in a social media post, “We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) in the protection and restoration of the Aravallis range.”
As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regards to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases, the Minister assured.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also hailed the order as a welcome decision. “What is essential today is that all decisions on working on Aravallis should be taken as per the environmental needs and circumstances in the next century in the regions of the mountain range,” he said.
The Union environment minister (Yadav) should also change his approach for the sake of environmental compulsions and should keep in mind the fact that any move of stepping up mining in the oldest mountain range, would be dangerous, he cautioned.
He also thanked the activists and NGOs who have duly realised the seriousness of the issue (situation) and launched a stir and awareness campaign immediately.
Renowned Environmentalist Dr Rajendra Singh, fondly called as Waterman of India has expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court particularly, the Chief Justice of India for taking cognizance of prayers from activists from different walks and areas.
“I have written a letter to the CJI on December 26, 2025, praying for his intervention and cognizance in this most concerning matter. The CJI graciously took a suo motu cognizance and addressed our worries, this is such an order that our future generations too will owe to the Supreme Court and the CJI,” Singh said.
The November 20, 2025 order had caused widespread apprehensions in the country, especially in four Aravalli states namely Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Since the mountain range extends through 15 districts in Rajasthan, the state is most affected by the last month’s order of the court.
This situation has given rise to a statewide mass movement by the non BJP opposition parties and many NGOs.