Supreme Court Sets November 30 Deadline For Aravalli Panel’s Final Report

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant a six-month extension sought by its High-Powered Committee to submit its final report on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills. The court directed the panel to complete and submit its report by November 30, setting a fresh deadline for the expert assessment.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made it clear that the committee must complete its work within the revised timeframe. The bench also warned that failure to submit the report by November 30 could lead to the reconstitution of the entire panel.

“Let the panel work day and night to submit a report on the Aravalli issue,” the Chief Justice observed, adding that the court would consider reconstituting the committee if it was unable to complete the task within the next two months.

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The Supreme Court-appointed Aravalli High-Powered Committee had sought the six-month extension, citing the need for additional time to prepare what it described as a “comprehensive and defensible” assessment of the Aravalli range. The request came amid an ongoing dispute over the definition of the Aravalli Hills and the framework for their protection.

The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue in December last year following concerns surrounding the definition of the Aravalli Hills that had been approved by the court. The matter involves questions concerning the identification, extent and protection of the ecologically important hill range.

With the latest order, the committee has been given a little over two months to complete its final assessment and submit the report. The Supreme Court’s warning of possible reconstitution places additional pressure on the panel to meet the November 30 deadline and provide the court with the comprehensive assessment it has sought.

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