Protests erupted across India in response to a controversial Supreme Court ruling in November 2025 that environmentalists argue could endanger the ecologically significant Aravalli mountain range. A video claiming to depict one of these demonstrations has been misrepresented online; in reality, it was filmed during a community meeting in January 2025, months prior to the court’s verdict.
The Supreme Court’s decision narrowed the definition of the Aravalli hills, a mountain range that spans Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. Under the new ruling, areas below 100 metres (328 feet) in altitude will no longer be classified as part of the range and will be exempt from mining restrictions. Environmental advocates warn that this change could expose lower yet ecologically crucial hills to exploitation. According to India’s ANI news agency, the government justified the ruling as a means to standardize regulations and enhance environmental protections, rather than diminish them.
The controversy intensified when a social media post shared on December 20, 2025, included a video of a large crowd along with the claim, “A crowd of millions to save the Aravalli hills! There is strength in unity.” This post featured the hashtag “Save Aravalli” and circulated widely on platforms such as Facebook and X.
Misleading Claims and Community Gatherings
Investigations revealed that the video in question actually captures a gathering from January 2025 in a village in Rajasthan, aimed at addressing local issues. A reverse image search traced the footage to a report by local media organization News18, published on January 28, 2025. The video showcased a community meeting, known locally as a mahapanchayat, which was convened to resolve a dispute between two families over a cancelled wedding. Estimates suggest that between 12,000 and 13,000 people attended this event.
Amit Meena, a resident of the village who participated in the January meeting, clarified that the gathering was held at a wrestling ground and had no connection to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Aravalli hills. He stated, “No protests were held in my village.”
Local news outlet Rajasthan News also reported on the mega meeting, further confirming the context of the video. The misrepresentation of the footage as part of the protests highlights the challenges of misinformation in the digital age, particularly during sensitive political moments.
In response to the public outcry following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the court temporarily suspended its own order on December 29, 2025, and established an expert panel to further investigate the ecological implications of the decision. This development aims to clarify the uncertainties surrounding the environmental impact of the ruling, as stakeholders continue to debate the balance between development and ecological preservation.
As misinformation continues to spread, it emphasizes the necessity for accurate reporting and verification, especially regarding issues that directly affect communities and the environment. The case of the misleading video serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public perception and the importance of scrutinizing the sources of information shared within these platforms.
