Supreme Court Appoints Special Investigation Team to Probe Vantara Wildlife Centre
The Supreme Court has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former apex court judge Jasti Chelameswar, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the Vantara Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The SIT will investigate allegations of unlawful animal acquisition, mistreatment, and non-compliance with wildlife protection laws and international trade regulations. The probe follows petitions raising concerns about the facility's operations. Vantara has stated it will extend full cooperation to the investigation.
Unpacked:
The Supreme Court acted after receiving petitions alleging unlawful animal acquisition, mistreatment, and non-compliance with wildlife and trade laws at Vantara. These petitions were largely based on media reports and complaints from NGOs and wildlife groups, though the court noted they lacked supporting evidence.
The SIT will examine how Vantara acquires animals domestically and internationally, compliance with the WildLife (Protection) Act, zoo-related rules, animal welfare standards, international trade laws, and potential financial irregularities, including claims of money laundering and misuse of environmental credits.
The SIT is led by former Supreme Court judge Jasti Chelameswar. He is a retired apex court judge with experience in high-level judicial inquiries, adding credibility and legal oversight to the investigation.
Vantara has publicly stated it is committed to transparency and full compliance with the law, and that it will fully cooperate with the SIT’s investigation into the allegations against its operations.