The Supreme Court on Monday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into allegations of irregularities at Vantara, a Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The inquiry follows complaints of legal violations and questionable acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, from India and abroad.
A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P. B. Varale appointed a four-member SIT headed by former Supreme Court judge J. Chelameswar while hearing two PILs alleging non-compliance with wildlife laws. Reports from media, social media, and complaints by NGOs and wildlife organizations formed the basis of these petitions.
The court stated that although such unsupported allegations typically warrant dismissal, the seriousness of claims regarding failure of authorities to enforce laws necessitated an independent factual appraisal. The SIT comprises Justice (retired) Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and ex-IRS officer Anish Gupta, alongside Justice Chelameswar.
The bench clarified that the SIT will only assist the court in determining factual accuracy and does not imply any judgment on Vantara or statutory authorities. The probe will cover animal acquisition processes, compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, CITES, import-export laws, and zoo regulations. It will also examine animal welfare standards, veterinary care, mortality causes, breeding practices, biodiversity usage, and allegations of illegal wildlife trade or smuggling.
Financial compliance, money laundering, and other relevant issues linked to the allegations will also be investigated. The SIT is empowered to seek information from petitioners, officials, regulators, intervenors, or journalists willing to share details.
The panel must submit its report by September 12, and the case will be heard again on September 15. The court emphasized that the exercise is limited to assisting judicial consideration and does not cast aspersions on Vantara or any authority at this stage.
