India, Dec. 29 -- The Supreme Court has kept in abeyance its earlier order defining the Aravalli hills and ranges.

The move follows concerns that the definition was being misconstrued.

Large-scale protests erupted in Rajasthan and Haryana over fears of mining and ecological damage.

The court has ordered the formation of a high-powered, independent expert committee.

Mining activity has been halted until the new assessment is completed.

The Supreme Court of India has stayed its earlier order approving a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, after observing that the recommendations of the expert committee appointed by the court had been misconstrued.

The court said the committee's report, which was accepted by it on Nove...