In the ongoing Aravalli definition case, the Amicus Curiae assisting the Supreme Court of India has alleged that a committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)suppressed the views of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) while recommending a new definition of the Aravalli Range.
About Amicus Curiae is a Latin term meaning “friend of the court.”It refers to a person or lawyer appointed by a court to assist it in deciding a case, especially when the court requires additional expertise, independent opinion, or legal clarification.
Key Allegations by the Amicus Curiae
FSI’s views ignored: The committee report allegedly did not include the FSI’s warning that the proposed definition would exclude most Aravalli hills.
100-metre elevation criterion questioned
The committee proposed defining Aravalli hills as landforms with 100 m elevation above local relief.
FSI reportedly warned that this could exclude nearly 90% of the Aravalli landforms from protection.
Procedural issues in the report: The report was described as “unsigned and undated.”
It was not placed before or approved by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
Risk of weaker environmental protection: The definition may exclude many low-height hills, potentially allowing mining or construction in sensitive areas.
[2017] Consider the following statements: In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only
