The report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, which gave a clean chit to the Vantara wildlife facility in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, was accepted by the apex court on Monday.
A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale opened the sealed-cover report in open court and read out the conclusion of the SIT, which held that the transfers of wildlife in the facility were in adherence to the statutory mechanism.
Adding that it would pass a detailed order in chambers during lunch, the Justice Mithal-led Bench said, “We will look into the report and, if any action has to be taken, we will pass orders”.
Last week, the SIT – comprising former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts Justice Raghvendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and senior IRS officer Anish Gupta – submitted its report to the top court in a sealed cover along with a pen drive.
“The SIT… has submitted a report in a sealed cover along with a pen drive which also contains the report as well as its annexures. It is accepted and directed to be taken on record,” noted the Justice Mithal-led bench in an order passed on September 12.
The top court, in an order passed on August 25, directed the constitution of an SIT to probe wide-ranging accusations, not only against Vantara but also implicating statutory authorities and even courts.
The SIT was tasked to look at issues including acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants; compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) obligations; standards of veterinary care and animal welfare; allegations of creating a vanity or private collection; misuse of water or carbon credits; and allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering.
The Justice Mithal-led Bench had 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”.
Two public interest litigations (PILs) were filed before the Supreme Court requesting a detailed probe into the alleged illegal transfer of wildlife and the unlawful captivity of elephants at Vantara.
Vantara responds
Reacting to the developments in the Supreme Court, Team Vantara said that it welcomes the findings of the SIT that was set up by the Supreme Court, “with utmost humility and gratitude”.
“The SIT’s report and the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara’s animal welfare mission were without any basis. The validation of the truth by the distinguished and widely respected members of the SIT is not just a relief for everyone at Vantara but also a blessing, because it allows our work to speak for itself,” Vantara said in a statement.
“The SIT’s findings and the Apex Court’s order give us further strength and encouragement to continue serving with humility and devotion to those who cannot speak for themselves. The entire Vantara family expresses heartfelt gratitude for this affirmation and reassures everyone of our lifelong commitment to protecting and caring for animals and birds with compassion,” it added.
Vantara has always been about love, compassion, and responsibility towards the voiceless among us. Every animal we rescue, every bird we heal, every life we save is a reminder that their well-being is not separate from our own — it is an inseparable part of the well-being of all humanity. When we care for animals, we are also caring for the soul of humanity.
Vantara further said that it will continue to work with the Government of India, state governments, and other stakeholders involved in the task of animal care.
“Let’s together make Mother Earth a better place for all living beings,” the statement concluded.