New Delhi– The Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of violations of wildlife protection laws at Vantara, the zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The order comes amid claims that the facility acquired animals from India and abroad in breach of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and international conventions such as CITES.
Over recent months, Vantara has faced criticism from NGOs, wildlife organisations, and social media campaigns. Allegations have included unlawful acquisition of animals, non-compliance with zoo and welfare regulations, mistreatment of animals, and financial irregularities. Concerns were also raised about the suitability of the climatic conditions and the centre’s proximity to an industrial zone.
A Bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B Varale said the wide sweep of allegations warranted an independent fact-finding exercise. “Ordinarily, a petition resting on such unsupported allegations does not deserve in law to be entertained,” the judges observed. “However, in the wake of the allegations that statutory authorities or the courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate, we consider it appropriate…to call for an independent factual appraisal.”
The SIT will be headed by former Supreme Court judge J. Chelameswar, who has been tasked with completing the inquiry by September 12. All statutory authorities have been directed to extend full cooperation.
The probe will examine Vantara’s acquisition of animals—particularly elephants—its compliance with Indian wildlife laws, zoo rules, and CITES provisions. It will also scrutinise standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, conservation and breeding programmes, mortality records, and complaints about the centre’s environmental impact. Allegations of wildlife smuggling, misuse of biodiversity resources, financial irregularities, and money laundering will also be assessed.
The court clarified that the SIT’s role is limited to fact-finding and its report will determine whether further judicial directions are required.
