Supreme Court SIT clears Reliance’s Vantara of wrongdoing in animal acquisitions

The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has given a clean chit of any wrongdoing to Reliance Foundation run Vantara, a private zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre, in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Noting that the acquisition of animals in Vantara was prima facie within the regulatory mechanism, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale found no illegality in the acquisition of animals by Vantara.

“Vantara is in strict compliance with laws; do not tarnish it," the Supreme Court observed, while accepting the report by the SIT that was appointed to look into allegations of misuse of laws governing the acquisition of animals from India and abroad.


"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. We should be happy about all these good things," the judges said.

The SC was hearing two petitions filed by one advocate C.R. Jaya Sukin, and another by activist Dev Sharma on the wake of shifting of an elephant named Mahadevi from a temple in Kolhapur to Vantara in July. They accused Vantara of unlawful accusation of animals from India and abroad, mistreatment of the animals in captivity, financial irregularities and money laundering.

The top court later formed a SIT headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice J Chelameswar to examine acquisition of animals by Vantara from India and abroad, particularly elephants, compliance of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and rules for zoos made thereunder and other related things. The team was asked by the top court to carry out a physical verification and inspection of Vantara as well.

Welcoming the findings of SIT, Tea Vantara in a statement said that 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.”

“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... 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,” it said.

“We take this occasion to pledge our solidarity with the Government of India, State Governments, and all other stakeholders involved in the huge and challenging task of animal care, and affirm that that Vantara will always be ready to work in close collaboration with them. Let’s together make Mother Earth a better place for all living beings,” Team Vantara said.