New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the acquisition of animals at Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, was conducted in full compliance with regulations. The court accepted the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed to probe the centre’s operations.

With the SIT report on record, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and PB Varale disposed of two writ petitions filed against Vantara, noting that the complaints had been thoroughly examined and stood closed. The SIT had submitted its report on Friday, which the bench reviewed on Monday.

According to the court order, the SIT carried out a detailed investigation with inputs from multiple agencies and found no breach of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, or other applicable laws. It observed that Vantara followed a complex, multi-layered statutory approval process for rescuing animals and housing them at its facility.

“Vantara is in strict compliance with the law; do not tarnish it,” the bench observed while taking note of the SIT’s findings, according to news reports.

The apex court had set up the four-member SIT, led by a former Supreme Court judge, on August 25 while hearing two PILs that alleged irregularities at Vantara based on media reports, social media claims, and complaints from NGOs and wildlife groups.

Key Takeaways from the Supreme Court’s Order on Vantara

 

SIT found no legal violations

The SIT, after a detailed probe with multiple agencies, concluded that Vantara has not violated any provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009; CZA guidelines; Customs Act, 1962; Foreign Trade (Regulation and Development) Act, 1992; FEMA, 1999; PMLA, 2002; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Court accepts SIT’s findings

The bench endorsed the SIT’s conclusions, noting that no contraventions were established. Accordingly, complaints listed in the report’s Schedule A now stand closed.

Imports and acquisitions fully documented

Animal imports were made only with valid permits. Since all imports are supported by proper documentation, their legality cannot be questioned.

Repeated complaints already rejected

The court pointed out that multiple past inquiries into Vantara’s activities had consistently found no legal violations.

Welfare standards exceed benchmarks

Expert inputs confirmed that Vantara’s facilities surpass prescribed benchmarks, with mortality rates in line with global zoological averages. In some areas, its standards of veterinary care, animal husbandry, and welfare exceed Central Zoo Authority norms.

Independent global certification

After audits and site inspections, the Global Humane Society certified that Vantara met — and exceeded — internationally recognised benchmarks, awarding it the ‘Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval.’

Periodic inspections validate compliance

Regular inspections by the Central Zoo Authority, the Gujarat Chief Wildlife Warden, and CITES assessments reaffirmed compliance. Allegations of poor welfare were dismissed as unfounded.

Financial impropriety charges dismissed

The SIT rejected claims of misuse of carbon credits, water resources, or financial irregularities. The Enforcement Directorate clarified there was no violation of PMLA provisions. The SIT criticised unfounded allegations against statutory bodies and court-appointed committees.

Court bars repetitive petitions

The apex court ruled that no further petitions or complaints based on the same allegations will be entertained, ensuring finality and preventing repetitive inquiries.

SIT recommendations to be implemented

The court directed Vantara and relevant authorities to act on the recommendations made by the SIT.

Right to act against misinformation

Vantara has been allowed to pursue legal remedies to seek deletion of false publications, initiate defamation proceedings, or file private complaints against those spreading misinformation.

Statement by Team Vantara on the Judgment by the Supreme Court

In an official statement welcome the verdict, Vantara team said, “With humility and gratitude, we welcome the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Supreme Court of India. The SIT’s report and the Supreme Court’s order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara’s animal welfare mission were without any basis. 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. The entire Vantara family expresses heartfelt gratitude for this affirmation and reassures everyone of our lifelong commitment to protecting and caring for animals and birds with compassion. 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.”

“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 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,” the statement added.

Five Things to Know About Vantara

India’s first-of-its-kind facility

Vantara, conceptualised by Anant Ambani, Director at Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, is located within the 3,000-acre Green Belt of RIL’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex. The initiative seeks to become a global leader in wildlife conservation.

World-class infrastructure

The centre includes advanced healthcare facilities, research institutes, and academic centres. It partners with international organisations such as IUCN and WWF to apply global best practices.

Rescue and rehabilitation efforts

In recent years, Vantara has saved more than 200 elephants and thousands of other animals, reptiles, and birds from critical conditions. Specialised rehabilitation programmes are in place for species like rhinoceroses, leopards, and crocodiles.

State-of-the-art hospital

Its 100,000 sq. ft. hospital and research centre houses an ICU, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, dialysis, OR1 surgical conferencing technology, and a blood plasma separator.

A thriving ecosystem

Today, the facility shelters over 200 elephants, 300 big cats including lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards, more than 300 herbivores, and 1,200 reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles, and snakes. DeshGujarat