A video claiming to document protests against a recent Supreme Court ruling in India has been misrepresented online. The footage, widely shared since December 20, 2025, is actually from a community meeting in January 2025, predating the court’s controversial decision regarding the Aravalli hills. This misrepresentation occurred as environmentalists and citizens expressed outrage over the ruling, which they argue could endanger the ecological integrity of the region.
In November 2025, the Indian Supreme Court narrowed the definition of the Aravalli hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, spanning across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. As a result of this ruling, areas below 100 metres (328 feet) in altitude are no longer classified as part of the protected range, raising concerns about increased mining activities. Environmental advocates warn that this change could expose many ecologically significant hills to mining and construction, according to information from the Asian News International (ANI).
The government has defended its decision, asserting that the amendment aims to standardize environmental regulations and enhance protection rather than diminish it. On December 29, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed its own ruling and established an expert panel to further examine the ecological implications of the decision.
Misleading posts on social media platforms, including Facebook and X, suggested that the video showed demonstrations in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling. In reality, the footage depicts a large gathering, known as a mahapanchayat, held in a Rajasthan village to address community issues. A reverse image search identified a report from local media outlet News18, published on January 28, 2025, that confirmed the video’s origin and context.
During the January community meeting, approximately 12,000 to 13,000 residents convened to discuss a dispute involving two families over a cancelled wedding ceremony. Amit Meena, a local participant in the January event, confirmed in a phone interview with AFP on December 24 that the gathering was unrelated to the Supreme Court’s decision. He emphasized that no protests occurred in his village, further dispelling the misleading claims circulating online.
Local media, including Rajasthan News, also reported on the mahapanchayat, showcasing similar visuals and the event’s purpose. As misinformation continues to spread, the need for accurate reporting is crucial, particularly concerning significant legal and environmental issues in India. The incident highlights the challenges of discerning factual information in the age of social media, where visuals can be easily manipulated or misrepresented.
