- The petitions, filed by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin and another individual, sought probes into alleged irregularities reported in the media
- Contrary to claims of animal cruelty, the SIT noted that Vantara’s facilities “exceed prescribed benchmarks” and its animal mortality figures are “in line with global zoological averages.”
- Team Vantara Welcomes Order
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI/JAMNAGAR, SEPT 16
The Supreme Court on Monday gave a clean chit to Vantara, the Ambani family-backed animal rescue and welfare initiative, dismissing all allegations of illegal animal acquisitions, smuggling, and money laundering.
A bench comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale, after reviewing a sealed report by a court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), ruled that the charges lacked merit. The court further directed that “no further complaint or proceedings based upon the same set of allegations shall be entertained before any judicial, statutory, or administrative forum.”
SIT Report Seals the Case
The SIT, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameshwar, included Justice (retd) R.S. Chauhan, former Mumbai police commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and IRS officer Anish Gupta. After detailed scrutiny, it concluded that Vantara had not violated any Indian or international wildlife, trade, or financial regulations.
Contrary to claims of animal cruelty, the SIT noted that Vantara’s facilities “exceed prescribed benchmarks” and its animal mortality figures are “in line with global zoological averages.”
The court directed the registry to reseal the SIT’s findings to maintain confidentiality.
Allegations vs. Findings
The petitions, filed by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin and another individual, sought probes into alleged irregularities reported in the media — ranging from illegal imports and animal husbandry practices to climatic suitability and financial improprieties.
However, the SIT confirmed compliance with:
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009
- Central Zoo Authority guidelines
- Customs and foreign trade laws
- Foreign Exchange and money laundering regulations
- International conventions like CITES
Vantara Welcomes Order
In a statement, Team Vantara said:
“With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome the SIT’s findings and the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order. The validation of truth by such a distinguished panel is not just a relief but also a blessing, as it allows our work to speak for itself.”
The organisation reaffirmed its mission of compassion-driven animal care, adding:
“Every life we rescue and every bird we heal is a reminder that animal well-being is inseparable from human well-being. We pledge continued collaboration with the Government of India, State Governments, and all stakeholders to make Mother Earth a safer home for all living beings.”
