A file image of Vantara zoo. Photo: https://vantarajamnagar.in
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 25, 2025) constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) chaired by former apex court judge, Justice J. Chelameswar, to conduct an “independent factual appraisal” of complaints and allegations of violations raised against Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre conceptualised by Anant Ambani at Jamnagar in Gujarat.
A Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P.B. Varale was hearing two petitions, one filed by advocate Jaya Sukin, alleging unlawful accusation of animals from India and abroad, mistreatment of the animals in captivity, financial irregularities, money laundering, etc, against Vantara.
However, the court said the petitions were mainly based on media reporting. The court said it would be appropriate to order an independent enquiry to meet the ends of justice.
“We deem it appropriate to direct for constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of respectable persons of impeccable integrity and high repute having long public service,” the court order read
Besides Justice Chelameswar, the members of the SIT would include Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts; Hemant Nagrale, IPS (former Mumbai Police Commissioner); and Anish Gupta, IRS, Additional Commissioner, Customs.
The SIT would look into the acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants; compliance of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and Rules for zoos; compliance with the International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and import/export laws concerning live animals; check compliance with standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, standards of animal welfare, mortalities and causes; examine complaints regarding climatic conditions and allegations about the location of Vantara near an industrial zone.
The special team would also look into grievances raised about the “creation of a vanity or private collection, breeding, conservation programmes and use of biodiversity resources, misutilisation of water and carbon credits, breach of laws of trade in animals or animal articles, wildlife smuggling and money laundering.”
The SIT would seek information from the petitioners, officials, regulators, intervenors or any other person, including journalists, who may wish their allegations to be examined.
“The SIT may inquire into any other aspect it deems appropriate to submit a complete factual report to this court,” the Bench ordered.
The enquiry has to begin forthwith, and the report must be submitted by September 12. The court listed the case again on September 15.
Published – August 25, 2025 11:47 pm IST
