As protests erupted across India in response to a controversial Supreme Court ruling, a video falsely claimed to depict one of these demonstrations. The footage, which circulated widely online, was actually filmed during a community meeting in January 2025, well before the court’s decision in November. The misrepresentation has raised concerns about misinformation in the context of environmental advocacy and public discourse.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered in November 2025, narrowed the definition of the Aravalli hills, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, which spans regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. Under the new definition, areas under 100 metres (approximately 328 feet) in altitude are no longer protected from mining activities. Environmentalists warn that this change could expose many lower yet ecologically vital hills to mining and construction, as reported by ANI.
In the midst of these developments, a video surfaced on social media platforms, including X, claiming to show a massive protest against the Supreme Court’s ruling. The post, shared on December 20, 2025, featured a caption in Hindi stating, “A crowd of millions to save the Aravalli hills! There is strength in unity,” along with the hashtag “#SaveAravalli.”
However, investigations revealed that the video actually captured a gathering known as a mahapanchayat, which occurred in a village in Rajasthan in January 2025. This community meeting was organized to address a local dispute over a cancelled wedding ceremony and attracted between 12,000 and 13,000 attendees. A reverse image search led to a report by local media outlet News18, published on January 28, 2025, confirming the true nature of the event.
Local resident Amit Meena, who participated in the January gathering, clarified in a phone interview with AFP on December 24 that the meeting had no connection to the Supreme Court’s ruling. “No protests were held in our village,” he stated, emphasizing the community’s focus on resolving local issues rather than engaging in political demonstrations.
The Supreme Court’s decision has garnered significant attention, prompting widespread protests. In light of these reactions, the court stayed its own order on December 29 and established an expert panel to further examine the ecological implications of the ruling. The government has maintained that the decision aims to standardize regulations and enhance environmental protections, countering the claims made by environmental advocates.
The sharing of the misrepresented video highlights the challenges of misinformation, particularly during significant political and environmental events. Various platforms, including Facebook and X, have seen the video circulate with the incorrect narrative, demonstrating the need for vigilance in verifying information before dissemination.
As discussions surrounding the Aravalli hills continue, both environmentalists and government officials remain at odds over the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the impact of accurate information in shaping public understanding and response to critical ecological issues.
