New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered an independent fact-finding investigation into allegations against Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation facility owned by Reliance Industries, following petitions accusing the centre of illegal acquisition of animals, mistreatment, and financial irregularities. A Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P.B. Varale constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) chaired by former apex court judge Justice J. Chelameswar to examine the complaints and submit a report by September 12.
The top court said that while the petitions were based primarily on media reports and lacked substantive evidence, the nature of allegations warranted a deeper probe to ensure transparency and accountability. “Ordinarily, a petition resting on such unsupported allegations does not deserve in law to be entertained rather warrants dismissal in limine. However, in the wake of the allegations that the statutory authorities or the courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate… we consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal,” the Bench observed.
Maintaining that the order was not an indictment of either Vantara or regulatory authorities, the court clarified that the inquiry was solely fact-finding in nature. “This order neither expresses any opinion on the allegations made in the petitions nor should it be construed to have cast any doubt on the functioning of any of the statutory authorities or the private respondent, Vantara,” the judges said.
The SIT, which will begin work immediately, will investigate Vantara’s acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants, and examine compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as rules governing zoos and international conventions such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It will also probe adherence to standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, and animal welfare, alongside allegations concerning water and carbon credit utilisation, biodiversity programmes, and financial irregularities.
Besides Justice Chelameswar, the SIT comprises Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts; Hemant Nagrale, former Mumbai Police Commissioner; and Anish Gupta, Additional Commissioner, Customs. The team has been tasked with engaging petitioners, officials, regulators, intervenors, and even journalists who wish to present evidence. The matter will next be heard on September 15.
Vantara Responds With ‘Full Cooperation’
In response to the Supreme Court’s order, Vantara issued a statement pledging complete cooperation with the inquiry. “We acknowledge the order of the Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law. Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals,” ANI quoted the statement.
The Reliance-owned zoological facility, conceptualised by Anant Ambani and located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, emphasised that its work is rooted in animal welfare and conservation. “We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts. We request that the process be allowed to take place without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve,” the statement added.
Allegations and Controversy
The SIT was constituted following two petitions filed by advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin and one Dev Sharma, who accused Vantara of unlawful acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, mistreatment of animals in captivity, financial misconduct, and violations of environmental and trade regulations. The petitions also raised questions about the centre’s location near an industrial zone and alleged misuse of resources such as water and carbon credits.
The Bench noted that the petitions heavily relied on news reports and had yet to provide substantial proof. However, given the scope of allegations and concerns over the effectiveness of regulatory oversight, the court deemed an independent inquiry necessary. “Considering the sweep of the allegations made in the petitions inviting a counter from the private respondent or any other party will not serve much purpose,” the order stated.
Vantara, which spans over 3,000 acres and houses numerous rescued species, has been presented by Reliance Industries as a world-class facility dedicated to animal rescue and rehabilitation. However, the centre has faced mounting scrutiny from wildlife activists and some environmental groups who argue that it functions more as a private collection than a conservation initiative.
The Supreme Court’s decision signals a critical examination of the facility’s practices, including animal imports, breeding programmes, and conservation claims. The SIT will not only verify compliance with domestic and international laws but also examine allegations of wildlife smuggling, money laundering, and regulatory lapses.
For now, the court has stressed that the investigation is meant to establish facts rather than pass judgment. The coming weeks are expected to bring clarity on the operations of one of India’s most high-profile animal care facilities.
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