India, Dec. 29 -- Union environment, forests, and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's stay on its November 20 judgment, narrowing the definition of the Aravalli range, and promised all assistance in its protection and restoration, even as the Opposition Congress demanded his resignation.

"I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range, and the formation of a new committee to study issues. As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regards to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases," Yadav wrote on X.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the Supreme Court directives on Monday a flicker of hope and a rejection of Yadav's ar...