By Paramita Datta
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Supreme Court to carry out an “independent factual appraisal” of allegations against Reliance-owned Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has discovered no legal irregularities in the acquisition of animals. According to a PTI report, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) assigned by the Supreme Court of India to investigate claims against the Reliance Foundation-managed Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has provided the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre a “clean chit.”
A bench of SC Judges, Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice PB Varale, noted that authorities indicated Vantara had fulfilled compliance obligations and adhered to regulatory measures, as recorded in the SIT’s report.
The SIT, led by ex-Supreme Court judge Justice J. Chelameswar, determined that the acquisitions complied with regulatory laws and noted the authorities’ satisfaction with all statutory requirements.
A panel of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale presented sections of the report in open court and declared their satisfaction with the conclusions. The judges stated they had reviewed the report’s summary, which highlighted knowledgeable regulatory compliance and also indicated that stakeholders had shared their opinions. They noted that the officials had shown contentment with the adherence to regulations. The court also mentioned it would issue a ruling later that day including the report.
The top court established a four-member SIT on August 25 following two writ petitions filed on August 14, with one requesting an investigation into Vantara’s activities since 2020, including the examination of its permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that allowed for the importation of numerous exotic species from different continents.
Multiple investigative news articles have claimed that, among other factors, Vantara’s acquisition of exotic animals may have contributed to the global illegal wildlife trade.
According to news reports, the SIT inspected Vantara on-site from September 4 to 6. During their time at Vantara, the SIT reportedly engaged with the centre’s chief financial officer, director, and senior personnel, reviewing documents concerning animal transfers, funding, veterinary services, and legal approvals.
The SIT also examined enclosures, quarantine facilities, and medical infrastructure to ensure adherence to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1973, zoo regulations, and international agreements, according to these reports. It subsequently sent a questionnaire with 200 queries to Vantara.
The SIT submitted its report to the Supreme Court on Friday, September 12.
On Monday, the identical bench that considered the writ petitions – made up of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice P.B. Varale – reviewed the report and stated that they had determined its animal acquisitions were “conducted in regulatory compliance,” LiveLaw reported.
The SIT, led by ex-Supreme Court judge Justice J. Chelameswar, determined that the acquisitions adhered to regulatory laws and documented the authorities’ satisfaction with all statutory compliance.
In addition to Justice Chelameswar, the SIT comprised Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, ex-Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts; Hemant Nagrale, past Mumbai Police Commissioner; and Anish Gupta, Additional Commissioner of Customs.
The court previously directed the SIT to investigate complaints concerning the establishment of a private collection or vanity project, breeding and conservation initiatives, utilisation of biodiversity resources, abuse of water and carbon credits, violations of trade regulations regarding animals and animal products, wildlife trafficking, and financial crimes.
The SIT was requested to present its findings on several aspects, such as Vantara’s procurement of animals, especially elephants, from both India and other countries; adherence to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and zoo regulations; legal stipulations concerning the trade of animals or animal products; and the criteria for animal husbandry, veterinary care, and animal welfare.