Ahmedabad: A Special Investigation Team (SIT), established by the Supreme Court, has begun a comprehensive probe into the operations of Vantara, the massive animal rescue and rehabilitation center run by Reliance Industries in Gujarat. The four-member team, which started its three-day visit on September 5, is expected to submit its findings to the Supreme Court by September 12.
The SIT was formed to investigate a series of allegations, including those related to the acquisition of animals, compliance with wildlife laws, and the facility’s financial practices.
Vantara Under Scrutiny
The inquiry stems from two petitions filed with the Supreme Court that raised multiple, albeit “unsupported,” allegations against the facility. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale, decided to order the independent probe. The bench noted that it was taking this step “in the wake of the allegations that the statutory authorities or the courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate.”
The court was clear that the order should not be seen as a negative judgment on Vantara or any statutory authorities, but rather as a fact-finding mission to determine the true situation. The bench’s order specifically directs the SIT to examine Vantara’s:
- Acquisition of animals from both India and abroad.
- Compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Adherence to laws regarding trade in animals.
- Standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, and overall animal welfare.
- Complaints of misutilization of water, carbon credits, and financial compliance, including money laundering.
The SIT Team and Vantara’s Response
The SIT is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd) Jasti Chelameswar. The team also includes retired chief justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and additional customs commissioner Anish Gupta.
Vantara, a philanthropic initiative led by Anant Ambani, has publicly stated its commitment to full cooperation with the SIT. A spokesperson for the center said, “Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law… We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely.”
The facility, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 4, spans over 3,500 acres near the Reliance Industries Limited refinery complex in Jamnagar. It is one of the world’s largest animal welfare projects, reportedly housing more than 150,000 animals from over 2,000 species. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on September 15, when it will consider the SIT’s findings.