Senior Congress leader and former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday called upon the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of three other “urgent” environmental matters, days after the apex court recalled its own verdict on the redefinition of the Aravalli hills. Ramesh said the court’s proactive intervention, as seen in the Aravalli case, was now equally necessary in these pressing environmental issues.

In a post on X, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications referred to the Supreme Court’s order passed on Monday, in which it recalled its November 20 judgment that had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges recommended by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Describing the court’s move as “most necessary and welcome,” Ramesh noted that the earlier verdict had been “enthusiastically embraced by the Modi government.”

“Now, three other urgent tasks await the Honourable Supreme Court on environmental matters that should also be taken up suo moto, like the Aravallis matter,” Ramesh said.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Boundaries

The first issue flagged by Ramesh relates to the proposed redrawing of the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. He recalled that on August 6, the Supreme Court had put on hold a proposal by the Rajasthan government and the Union government to alter the reserve’s boundaries to facilitate the reopening of around 57 closed mines.

Ramesh asserted that the proposal should be rejected outright. According to him, any attempt to redraw the boundaries of a protected tiger reserve to enable mining activities would severely undermine conservation efforts and set a dangerous precedent for wildlife protection across the country.

He urged the apex court to intervene decisively to ensure that ecological concerns are not sacrificed for commercial interests.

Retrospective Environmental Clearances

The second issue raised by the Congress leader concerns the question of retrospective environmental approvals. Ramesh pointed out that on November 18, the Supreme Court had opened the door for a review of its earlier verdict of May 16, which barred retrospective environmental clearances.

“Such approvals go against the very foundations of jurisprudence and make a mockery of governance,” Ramesh said, adding that the review was unnecessary and ill-advised. He stressed that allowing retrospective clearances legitimises violations after the damage has already been done and weakens the entire environmental regulatory framework.

“Retrospective approvals should never be permitted,” he asserted, calling on the Supreme Court to reaffirm its original position and close the door firmly on such practices.

Dilution of NGT’s Powers

The third concern highlighted by Ramesh relates to the functioning of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He recalled that the NGT was established in October 2010 through an Act of Parliament after detailed consultations with the Supreme Court and with its full support.

However, Ramesh alleged that over the past decade, the powers and authority of the NGT have been “thoroughly diluted.” He argued that the weakening of the tribunal has hampered effective environmental adjudication and enforcement.

“The Supreme Court’s intervention is now essential to ensure that the NGT is allowed to function as per law without fear or favour,” he said, urging the apex court to step in to protect the independence and mandate of the specialised environmental body.

Context of the Aravalli Order

Ramesh’s appeal comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to keep in abeyance the directions in its November 20 verdict that had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges. The court also indicated that it may constitute a high-powered committee comprising domain experts to carry out a comprehensive and holistic examination of the issue.

The Aravalli range, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, groundwater recharge, and preventing desertification in northern and western India. The redefinition of its boundaries had triggered widespread concern among environmentalists.

By urging the Supreme Court to extend the same level of scrutiny and urgency to other environmental matters, Jairam Ramesh has sought to underline what he described as the need for judicial vigilance to safeguard India’s environmental laws, institutions, and protected areas.

He maintained that decisive judicial intervention is crucial at a time when, according to him, environmental safeguards are being steadily weakened, and said the Supreme Court’s role remains central to upholding ecological justice and constitutional values.