The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step by constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the operations and animal acquisition practices of Vantara Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, run by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This historic order, issued on August 25, 2025, follows public interest litigations (PILs) raising serious concerns about the centre’s compliance with wildlife laws and governance norms.
Key Highlights and Reasons Prompting the Supreme Court to Constitute the SIT
Allegations of Unlawful Acquisition of Animals: The petitions cited wide-ranging allegations of animals, particularly elephants, being acquired unlawfully both from India and abroad, potentially violating the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and related regulations.
Controversy Over Relocation of Elephant Mahadevi: A central issue involves the shifting of an elephant named Mahadevi from a temple in Kolhapur to Vantara in July 2025, sparking public uproar and legal scrutiny.
Concerns on Compliance with Import/Export Laws: The SIT has been mandated to examine adherence to the International Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and other import/export regulations regarding live animals.
Questions on Animal Welfare and Veterinary Care Standards: Serious complaints have emerged about veterinary care quality, animal husbandry practices, welfare standards, and unexplained animal mortalities at Vantara.
Alleged Breaches in Wildlife Protection and Zoo Regulations: The inquiry will probe the centre’s compliance with legislative provisions relating to zoo operations and biodiversity conservation frameworks.
Environmental and Location-Related Complaints: Critics have raised environmental concerns about Vantara’s location near an industrial zone and questioned its impact on wildlife habitat and climate suitability for animals.
Accusations of Private Collection and Vanity Breeding: Allegations suggest Vantara might be running a private or vanity collection of animals, raising ethical and legal questions about breeding and conservation activities.
Financial and Money Laundering Concerns: The SIT will also investigate financial irregularities and potential money laundering issues linked to the foundation’s wildlife activities.
Wildlife Smuggling and Trade of Animal Articles: The petitions highlight suspicions of wildlife trafficking and misuse of biodiversity resources, warranting thorough investigation.
Lack of Effective Oversight by Statutory Authorities: The Court noted petitions alleging statutory authorities and courts were not adequately discharging their mandate, necessitating independent fact-finding.
Supreme Court’s Framework for SIT Inquiry
The SIT is chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar and includes former Chief Justices, senior police leadership, and customs officials to ensure thorough, impartial inquiry.
The mandate covers physical inspection of the facility, verification of records, assessment of compliance with all statutory laws, and examination of alleged financial misconduct.
The SIT has been asked to submit its report by September 12, 2025, enabling the Supreme Court to take further steps based on findings.
Context and Implications for Vantara and Reliance Foundation
Vantara spans 3,000 acres inside the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery complex, positioning itself as a major player in wildlife conservation. However, these allegations and the Supreme Court’s scrutiny bring to the fore the crucial balance between corporate social responsibility and regulatory compliance in conservation projects.
Conclusion: A Landmark Investigation into Wildlife Conservation Ethics
The Supreme Court’s SIT order represents a decisive move to independently assess the factual position surrounding allegations against Vantara, ensuring adherence to wildlife protection laws and ethical standards. While the inquiry does not pre-judge the facts, it underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and lawful operation in such high-profile conservation endeavors.
Sources: Indian Express, New Indian Express, Financial Express, Live Law, Hindustan Times
