Supreme Court Orders Probe into Vantara Wildlife Facility Allegations

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry into the Vantara Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat. This action comes in response to allegations of non-compliance with laws and the illegal acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, from both India and abroad.

The four-member SIT, headed by former Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar, will examine a range of issues related to the Vantara facility. This includes investigating the acquisition of animals, compliance with wildlife laws and international conventions, standards of animal husbandry and welfare, as well as allegations of financial irregularities and wildlife smuggling.

The court's decision to constitute the SIT was prompted by two public interest litigations that raised concerns about the facility's practices based on media reports and complaints from various NGOs and wildlife organizations. While the court clarified that its order does not imply any opinion on the allegations or cast doubt on the functioning of the authorities, it deemed an independent fact-finding inquiry necessary to ascertain the true situation.

The SIT has been directed to submit its report by September 12, 2025, after which the court will consider the findings and determine any further course of action. This development underscores the seriousness with which the Supreme Court is addressing the allegations surrounding the Vantara facility and its commitment to ensuring the welfare and protection of wildlife in the country.