The Supreme Court of India has given a clean chit to Vantara, the popular animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar run by the Reliance Foundation. On Monday, the court examined multiple probes and found no law violations at all—no animal smuggling, no money laundering, nothing.
Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale reviewed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by C.R. Jaya Sukin. She claimed animals were being smuggled in and mistreated at Vantara. To get to the bottom of it, the court formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on August 25, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar. The SIT submitted its detailed report last Friday.
The team dug deep, checking everything from illegal animal acquisition and smuggling to welfare, breeding, conservation, and even financial dealings. They worked with government authorities and experts to inspect animal habitats and trade practices. Their big finding? Vantara follows all Indian laws and international wildlife rules, including those on customs, foreign trade, and anti-money laundering.
The court fully accepted the SIT report, saying they’re “more than satisfied.” They noted that Vantara’s facilities go beyond the standards set by the Central Zoo Authority for animal husbandry, veterinary care, and welfare. Even the animal mortality rates match global zoo averages—nothing suspicious there.
With no violations found, the court closed all the complaints listed in the report’s summary. They won’t hear any more cases based on these same allegations against Vantara. However, the SIT did suggest some improvements, and the court ordered the center to look into them and make changes where needed.
On Vantara’s request, the full report stays confidential and sealed, but they’ll get a complete copy. The summary, which outlines the key conclusions without sensitive details, will be public.
This ruling brings relief to Vantara, a key player in animal rescue and wildlife conservation in India, putting an end to the controversy. The petition now stands disposed of.
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