SC-appointed SIT gives clean chit to Vantara, calls compliance ‘satisfactory’

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday recorded the findings of a special investigation team (SIT) that gave a clean chit to Vantara, the zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, observing that its compliance and regulatory measures were “satisfactory.”

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale, while perusing the SIT report submitted on September 12, noted the panel’s satisfaction with Vantara’s practices. “We are satisfied with the report of the committee. Now, we have a report of an independent committee; they have gone through everything; they have taken help of experts. Whatever they have submitted, we will go by that,” the bench remarked, adding that all authorities were free to act upon the panel’s recommendations.

The SIT, constituted by the apex court on August 25 to probe allegations raised in two PILs and amplified through media and NGO reports, was headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar. Other members included Justice Raghavendra Chauhan (former HC chief justice), Hemant Nagrale (former Mumbai Police Commissioner), and Anish Gupta (former IRS officer).

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Gujarat, and Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Vantara, objected to the incorporation of the SIT report’s details into the order. Salve argued that Vantara was a world-class facility where significant resources and expertise were deployed, and undue disclosure could risk “commercial confidentiality.” The bench, however, refused to entertain further objections.

When a lawyer attempted to intervene on the issue of a temple elephant being brought to Vantara, the court dismissed the plea, remarking: “See, there are certain things we probably feel are the pride of this country. We should not unnecessarily rake up all these matters and raise hue and cry for the sake of that. Allow certain good things to happen to the country.”

The SIT was asked to examine a wide range of issues, from compliance with wildlife laws and international treaties to standards of veterinary care, mortality rates, climatic conditions, allegations of private collection, and financial compliance. Its report now provides a strong validation of Vantara’s operations.

In a statement following the court’s observations, Team Vantara said:
“With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome the findings of the SIT appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The report and the order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara’s animal welfare mission were without any basis. This affirmation gives us further strength and encouragement to continue serving with humility and devotion to those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Reaffirming its commitment to animal welfare, Vantara said every rescued animal and healed bird reinforced the belief that “their well-being is inseparable from the well-being of all humanity.” The organisation pledged continued collaboration with the Centre, state governments, and other stakeholders in the mission to protect and care for animals.