Supreme Court refuses deadline extension for Aravalli panel submissions

The Supreme Court has rejected a request to extend the deadline for submitting representations to a high-powered committee tasked with defining the Aravalli hills. The court expressed concern that any judicial extension could be exploited by those with vested interests to delay the conservation process.

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We will not extend time through a judicial order. We know people with vested interests having deep-rooted interests who will try to delay this process, if any extension is granted.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that the court would not issue a judicial order for an extension. "We know people with vested interests having deep-rooted interests who will try to delay this process, if any extension is granted," he remarked. The committee is mandated to submit its report, including recommendations for conserving the Aravalli ecosystem across Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi, by August 31.

Senior advocate Devashish Bharuka had sought an urgent listing, arguing that the August 11 deadline had passed and the committee would not accept submissions without court permission. He represented a non-profit organization working with tribal communities in Gujarat, many of whom are digitally illiterate and unaware of the committee's online notice. Bharuka also alleged that the committee had overlooked Gujarat and conducted site inspections only in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

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We do not want such piecemeal criticism of the committee. We will wait for the report. It is not that they have closed site visits.

The Chief Justice dismissed these criticisms, stating the court would await the committee's report. "We do not want such piecemeal criticism of the committee. We will wait for the report. It is not that they have closed site visits," he said. The bench also deemed it "very difficult to believe that people did not know" about the widely publicized notice. However, they advised that suggestions could still be submitted directly to the committee, which would then decide on their consideration.

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It is very difficult to believe that people did not know. However, you can submit your suggestions. If they do not take it, come to us. This is not like any limitation period that they will not consider beyond a date.