The Supreme Court of India has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the functioning of Vantara Wildlife Centre, formally known as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, run by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The apex court’s decision comes in the wake of allegations concerning the acquisition of animals from India and abroad—particularly elephants—and compliance with multiple national and international wildlife protection laws. While the court emphasized that the petitions were based on unsupported claims, it nonetheless deemed it necessary to seek an independent factual appraisal in the larger interest of justice.

Who Will Head the SIT?

The Special Investigation Team will be led by Justice Jasti Chelameswar, a former Supreme Court judge. The SIT will also include eminent members with long years of public service and impeccable integrity:

• Justice Raghvendra Chauhan – Former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts

• Hemant Nagrale (IPS) – Former Commissioner of Mumbai Police

• Anish Gupta (IRS) – Additional Commissioner of Customs

The SIT has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report by September 12, 2025.

Why Did the Supreme Court Order an SIT Inquiry?

The case originated from Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by Advocate CR Jaya Sukin and Dev Sharma. These petitions, based largely on media reports and complaints from NGOs and wildlife activists, alleged irregularities in the functioning of Vantara.

While the bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale observed that the petitions lacked direct evidence and would ordinarily warrant dismissal, the court took a nuanced approach.

In its order, the court stated:

“Ordinarily, a petition resting on unsupported allegations does not deserve to be entertained. However, in the wake of the allegations that statutory authorities or the courts are unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate, we consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal.”

This means the SIT probe is not meant to target Reliance Foundation or question statutory authorities but is a fact-finding mission to establish whether violations of law have indeed occurred.

What Will the SIT Investigate?

The mandate of the SIT is wide-ranging and covers multiple aspects of Vantara’s operations. The team will examine and submit findings on the following key issues:

• Acquisition of Animals – Whether animals, especially elephants, were acquired in compliance with laws from India and abroad.

• Wildlife Protection Act Compliance – Adherence to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and rules governing zoos.

• CITES Obligations – Compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including all import/export regulations concerning live animals.

• Animal Welfare & Husbandry – Standards of animal care, veterinary practices, animal mortality rates, and causes of deaths.

• Climatic and Environmental Concerns – Allegations regarding the suitability of Vantara’s location near an industrial zone.

• Private Collection & Breeding Allegations – Claims that Vantara may be a vanity project or private collection under the guise of conservation.

• Water & Carbon Credit Utilisation – Scrutiny of alleged misuse of natural resources and carbon credits.

• Wildlife Trade & Smuggling – Allegations of possible illegal trade in animals or animal products.

• Financial Compliance – Issues related to money laundering or financial irregularities.

• Other Relevant Allegations – Any additional concerns raised in petitions, complaints, or media reports.

The SIT will be assisted by the Central Zoo Authority, the CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the State of Gujarat’s Forest and Police Departments.

Vantara’s Response: “Committed to Transparency and Animal Welfare”

Following the Supreme Court’s order, Vantara issued an official statement affirming its full cooperation with the SIT.

“We acknowledge the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law. Our mission continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the SIT and always place the welfare of animals at the heart of our efforts.”

The statement also urged that the inquiry process be allowed to proceed without unnecessary speculation, stressing that the centre’s priority is animal welfare.

What Has the Court Clarified?

Importantly, the Supreme Court clarified that:

• The order does not express any opinion on the merits of the allegations.

• The decision should not be construed as casting doubt on the functioning of either Vantara or statutory authorities.

• The SIT’s role is strictly fact-finding, not punitive.

This means that at this stage, the inquiry is focused on verifying facts rather than establishing guilt. The final report will guide any further action by the court.

Why Is This Case Significant?

The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the delicate balance between conservation efforts and accountability. Vantara is known for housing hundreds of rescued animals, including rare and endangered species. However, allegations of illegal acquisition, animal trade, and misuse of resources raise important questions about how private conservation initiatives are regulated in India.

By appointing a panel of independent experts with judicial, law enforcement, and financial expertise, the apex court has signaled that wildlife protection and transparency cannot be compromised—even by institutions claiming noble missions.

Timeline of the Case

• August 14, 2025 – The petitions were first taken up for hearing. The Court allowed the petitioners to add Vantara as a party.

• August 26, 2025 – The Supreme Court ordered the constitution of the SIT.

• September 12, 2025 – Deadline set for SIT to submit its report.

What Happens Next?

The SIT will now begin its investigation, gathering evidence, consulting statutory authorities, and reviewing Vantara’s records. Its report is due by September 12, 2025, and will play a crucial role in determining whether further legal or regulatory action is necessary.

Until then, Vantara continues its operations and has pledged full cooperation with the probe. The case will likely remain under close public and judicial scrutiny, given its implications for wildlife conservation, environmental governance, and corporate accountability in India.

With inputs from agencies

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