India, Dec. 29 -- The Supreme Court on Monday stayed its November 20 judgment that limited the definition of the Aravalli range to landforms rising at least 100 metres above the local terrain. The top court decided to revisit the contentious issue of what constitutes the Aravallis and proposed forming an expert panel to comprehensively examine questions relating to their height and permissible mining in the region.

On November 20, the top court had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and banned grant of fresh mining leases inside its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until experts' reports are out.

The apex court had accepted the recommendations of a committee of Ministry of Environment, For...