Goa, Dec. 28 -- The Supreme Court will hear on Monday a suo motu case concerning the controversial definition of the Aravalli hills and related environmental issues. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice JK Maheshwari, and Justice AG Masih will take up the matter, officially listed as Definition of Aravalli Hills and Mountain Ranges and Related Issues.

The controversy arose after the Centre issued a revised definition of the Aravalli Range, which activists and scientists warned could allow mining in ecologically sensitive areas. Acting on these concerns, the Supreme Court has stayed the grant of new mining leases in the Aravallis until a comprehensive and sustainable mining management plan is prepared.

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