Supreme Court refuses extension for Aravalli panel, sets November 30 deadline for final report

While rejecting a six-month extension sought by a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee tasked with defining the Aravalli hills and range, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday (September 7, 2026) questioned whether it was “waiting for his retirement”. The court directed the panel to submit its final report by November 30, 2026.

“They should have clearly asked for a date after my retirement... It appears they are waiting for my retirement. We are not going to allow this,” the Chief Justice told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre.

CJI Kant is due to demit office on February 9, 2027.

The Bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, made it clear that no further extension would be granted, and directed the five-member panel, headed by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Director General Kanchan Devi, to “work day and night” to finalise its recommendations. The committee has been tasked with evolving a uniform definition of the ecologically fragile Aravalli hills and range, and recommending measures to regulate future mining.