In what is being seen as the biggest development in India, the Supreme Court of India directed to carry out judicial inquiry against Vantara. Supreme Court formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar.
This decision has been taken in response to several petitions and complaints pending before the Supreme Court, in which various legal and ethical issues related to the 'Vantara' project were raised.
For the unversed, Vantara is situated in Jamnagar, Gujarat and is owned by Reliance Foundation. It is said to be the dream project of India's billionaire Mukesh Ambani's son Anant Ambani.
Notably, Anant Ambani had hosted his international guests including Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg at Vantara. Vantara has become a state-of-art, however, the Supreme Court's verdict for judicial inquiry has raised many eyebrows.
Now, the question arises why is Vantara under Supreme Court's scanner and facing judicial inquiry? Below is all you need to know-
The SC on Monday ordered the constitution of a SIT under the chairmanship of retired apex court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar to probe into alleged illegal wildlife transfers, the unlawful captivity of elephants and other allegations against Vantara.
A Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale was dealing with two public interest litigations (PILs) that levelled wide-ranging accusations, not only against Vantara but also casting aspersions on statutory authorities and even courts.
The Justice Mithal-led Bench clarified that the exercise is “only to assist the Court as a fact-finding inquiry” and “shall not be construed to have cast any doubt on the functioning of any statutory authorities or the private respondent-Vantara.”
Vantara issued a statement that reads, "We acknowledge the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law."
“Our mission and focus continue to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals. 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,” it added.
The court remarked that only allegations have been made in the petition without any supporting material, and such a petition should not be considered in general.
However, the court said, 'Nevertheless, the allegation that the statutory authorities or the courts are unwilling or unable to discharge their duties, particularly in the absence of verification of the veracity of the factual position, we consider it appropriate in the interest of justice to require an independent factual assessment to establish the alleged violations, if any. Accordingly, we deem it appropriate to direct the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising of respectable persons of impeccable integrity and high standing, having a long record of public service.'
The SIT will investigate and submit its report on the following-
Acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, from India and abroad;
Compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the rules made thereunder for zoos;
Compliance with the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and other statutory requirements relating to import/export laws and import/export of live animals.
Animal husbandry, veterinary care, observance of animal welfare standards, mortality and their causes.
Complaints relating to climatic conditions and location near industrial area.
Complaints relating to private collection, breeding, conservation programmes and use of biodiversity resources.
Complaints relating to misuse of water and carbon credits.
Complaints relating to violations of various provisions of law in the articles/stories/complaints mentioned in the petitions and in general, trade in animals or animal articles, wildlife smuggling etc.
Complaints relating to financial compliance, money laundering etc.
Complaints relating to any other subject, issue or matter related to the allegations raised in the petitions. The SIT will be fully assisted by the Central Zoo Authority, the CITES Management Authority.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the State of Gujarat, including its Forest and Police Departments.
'Vantara' is a unique and comprehensive initiative of Anant Ambani, which focuses on the rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured and endangered animals.
This initiative is being considered a remarkable step in the field of animal welfare not only in India but also globally. Vantara is the first project of its kind in India, where all the necessary facilities dedicatedly for animals are available at one place.
This center is located in the green belt area of Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat and is spread over about 3,000 acres. Here animals not only get medical care, but also arrangements are made for rehabilitation in an environment like their natural habitat. The purpose of Vantara is not only to save creatures, but also to promote a sense of compassion, co-existence and responsibility towards them.
The court said it has not expressed anything on the merits of the allegations and the SIT probe is only a fact-finding exercise. The SIT was directed to submit its report by September 12, 2025.