Why has the Supreme Court ordered an investigation into the Vantara center?

The Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of animal mistreatment and other irregularities at the Vantara center, following a controversy over the relocation of an elephant named Mahadevi from a temple in Kolhapur.

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Supreme Court Probes Allegations of Animal Mistreatment at Vantara Wildlife Center

Q: What is the Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center?

The Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center is a facility located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, that is operated by the Reliance Foundation.

Q: What will the SIT investigation focus on?

The SIT will examine a range of issues, including the acquisition of animals, both from India and abroad, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and standards of animal husbandry and welfare at the Vantara facility.

5 Sep

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Summary

Supreme Court orders SIT to investigate Vantara wildlife center
Probe focuses on animal acquisition, welfare, and compliance with laws
Controversy over relocation of elephant Mahadevi from Kolhapur temple

Supreme Court Probes Allegations of Animal Mistreatment at Vantara Wildlife Center

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of animal mistreatment and other irregularities at the Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat's Jamnagar. The decision comes in the wake of a controversy over the shifting of an elephant, Mahadevi, from a temple in Kolhapur to the Vantara center in July.

The three-day inquiry by the SIT, which includes former Supreme Court Justice J Chelameswar, former Uttarakhand and Telangana High Court Chief Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, and other experts, began on Thursday. The team will examine a range of issues, including the acquisition of animals, both from India and abroad, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and standards of animal husbandry and welfare at the Vantara facility.

The SIT's investigation was prompted by two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in the aftermath of the Mahadevi relocation. The court has directed the SIT to submit its report by September 12, which will help the court determine any further action on the matter.

Vantara, which is operated by the Reliance Foundation, has assured full cooperation with the SIT's inquiry, stating that its mission remains the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals, with the welfare of the animals at the heart of all its efforts.

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