The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition that alleged illegal wildlife trade and irregularities in animal imports at Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat. The ruling brings closure to fresh attempts seeking a probe into the facility’s operations.
The petition raised concerns about possible violations of wildlife protection laws and international norms governing the transport of endangered species. However, the court found no new evidence to support these claims and noted that similar allegations had already been examined earlier.
A key factor in the court’s decision was the report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had previously looked into the matter in detail. The SIT reviewed Vantara’s procedures, including how animals were sourced and brought into the country. It concluded that all imports were carried out legally, with proper permissions, and in line with both Indian and international regulations.
Accepting these findings, the Supreme Court said there was no reason to reopen the case. It also cautioned against filing repeated petitions on issues that have already been settled, indicating that the current plea was a repetition of earlier concerns.
The court also highlighted an important aspect of animal welfare. It observed that disturbing animals that have already been lawfully imported and rehabilitated could harm them, as it may disrupt their environment and recovery.
Vantara, located in Jamnagar and supported by Reliance Foundation, focuses on rescuing and caring for injured, abused, and endangered animals. The organisation has consistently maintained that its work follows all legal requirements and is aimed at ensuring the well-being of animals.
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