365telugu.com online news,New Delhi, September 17th, 2025:The Supreme Court on Monday acknowledged a clean chit given by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following a thorough investigation into its operations.
The bench, comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale, reviewed the SIT’s report, submitted on September 12, 2025, and expressed satisfaction with Vantara’s adherence to regulatory and compliance standards.
Background of the Investigation
On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court constituted a four-member SIT, led by former apex court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, to probe allegations of irregularities at Vantara. The allegations, raised through two Public Interest Litigations (PILs), were based on media reports, social media posts, and complaints from NGOs and wildlife organizations.
The SIT included former High Court Chief Judge Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and former Indian Revenue Service officer Anish Gupta.
The SIT was tasked with investigating:
- Compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act and zoo regulations.
- Adherence to the International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).
- Compliance with import-export laws for live animals.
- Standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, and animal welfare.
- Allegations of climatic unsuitability, proximity to an industrial zone, and claims of Vantara being a vanity or private collection.
- Financial compliance and potential money laundering concerns.
Supreme Court’s Observations
After reviewing the SIT’s findings, the Supreme Court noted the panel’s satisfaction with Vantara’s operations. The bench stated, “We are satisfied with the report of the committee. They have gone through everything with the help of experts. All authorities are free to act based on the recommendations and suggestions in the report.”
The court declined to entertain further objections or interventions, including a plea regarding a temple elephant allegedly brought to Vantara. The bench emphasized, “There are certain things we feel are the pride of this country.
We should not unnecessarily raise hue and cry for the sake of it. Allow certain good things to happen.” It further clarified that if animal acquisitions, such as elephants, complied with legal provisions, there was no issue.
Objections from Legal Representatives
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Gujarat government, and Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Vantara, raised concerns about including detailed SIT findings in the court’s order.
Salve highlighted the commercial confidentiality of Vantara’s operations, noting that the facility had been transparent during the SIT’s visit. He described Vantara as a world-class institution, cautioning against public disclosure of sensitive details that could be misrepresented in international media, such as The New York Times or Time Magazine.
The bench dismissed these concerns, stating it would not permit further objections and would rely solely on the SIT’s independent findings.
ఇది కూడా చదవండి…ప్రజాపాలనా దినోత్సవం హైదరాబాద్లో ఘనంగా: జాతీయ జెండాను ఆవిష్కరించిన కమిషనర్..
Context of the PILs
The investigation stemmed from two PILs alleging non-compliance with laws in Vantara’s acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, both domestically and internationally. One petitioner, C R Jaya Sukin, had sought a monitoring committee to return captive elephants to their owners, a plea the court previously deemed “completely vague” on August 14, 2025.
Vantara’s Operations
Vantara, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre known for its efforts in animal welfare, conservation, and biodiversity programs. The SIT’s report confirmed that the facility adheres to high standards of animal care, veterinary practices, and legal compliance, dispelling allegations of irregularities.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court will issue a detailed order after further examination of the SIT’s report. The court’s stance underscores its trust in the independent probe and its intent to close the matter without further contentions, allowing Vantara to continue its operations while adhering to regulatory recommendations.