SC to hear Aravalli definition dispute, Unnao rape case today

Three judge vacation bench led by CJI Surya Kant will hear the matters

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

The Supreme Court is set for a busy Monday as it takes up two separate matters of national significance, one concerning environmental protection of the Aravalli hills and the other involving the suspension of a life sentence in the Unnao rape case.

According to the cause list, both matters are likely to be heard by a three-judge vacation bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih.

In the first matter, the top court has taken suo motu cognisance of a controversy surrounding the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges that it had earlier approved. The case, titled “In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues”, arises from concerns over the interpretation and implementation of directions aimed at protecting the Aravalli range, considered the world’s oldest mountain system.

On November 20, the court accepted a uniform scientific definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and imposed a ban on the grant of fresh mining leases in identified areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until expert reports are finalised. The definition was based on recommendations made by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.