The Supreme Court on Monday says that the Court-appointed special investigation team (SIT) has given a clean chit to Vantara, the animal rescue, care and rehabilitation initiative of the Reliance Foundation at Jamnagar in Gujarat. A bench comprising justice Pankaj Mithal and justice Prasanna B Varale observed that, as per the SIT report, the zoological centre conceptualised by Anant Ambani had ensured 'erudite regulatory compliance' and satisfied all legal and regulatory requirements.
The SIT, chaired by former Supreme Court judge justice J Chelameswar, was tasked with conducting an independent factual appraisal of allegations against Vantara, including concerns over the acquisition of animals from India and abroad, compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, adherence to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and standards of animal husbandry and veterinary care. Other members of the SIT included justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former chief justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana high courts, Hemant Nagrale, former commissioner of Mumbai police and Anish Gupta, IRS officer and additional commissioner of customs.
Reading from the report, justice Mithal noted that the acquisition of animals had been carried out within the framework of existing laws. “It notes erudite regulatory compliance. It notes that stakeholders also presented views. Authorities have expressed satisfaction with the regulatory compliance,” the bench says.
The report was submitted to the Court in a sealed cover on 12 September 2025 and taken on record today. The bench indicated that it may include a summary of the findings in its order, though solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Gujarat, and senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Vantara, requested that the full report not be annexed.
Senior counsel Salve argued that the document contained details of commercial and proprietary importance, particularly regarding how the animals are cared for. Agreeing with the concern, the bench says it would consider placing only a summary on record and issue a detailed order later in the day.
During the proceedings, the Court remarked that unnecessary doubts should not be cast on an institution that has been independently scrutinised. “See, there are certain things we probably feel are the pride of this country. We should not unnecessarily rake up all these matters and raise a hue and cry. Allow certain good things to happen to the country. We should be happy about all these good things,” justice Mithal says.
He added that if the acquisition of elephants or other animals was done in accordance with the law, there should be no objections.
The SIT carried out a three-day visit to Vantara, interacting with the facility’s leadership team, staff and external partners. It also engaged with forest department officials from multiple states and consulted experts to verify compliance standards. Authorities were reportedly satisfied with the manner in which animals were acquired and maintained.
The Supreme Court had on 25 August 2025 directed the constitution of the SIT after hearing petitions that alleged irregularities in animal acquisition and compliance at the facility, based on media reports, complaints from non-government organisations (NGOs) and public interest litigations (PILs).
On 14 August 2025, the apex court had earlier dismissed one such petition as 'completely vague' when it sought a monitoring committee to return elephants to their original owners.
Vantara, which is spread across thousands of acres in Jamnagar, is one of the largest animal rescue and rehabilitation projects in India. Conceptualised by Anant Ambani and supported by the Reliance Foundation, the initiative has been positioned as a world-class conservation effort.
Responding to the Supreme Court’s observation, a Vantara spokesperson says: “We acknowledge the order of the Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law.”
The apex court also appreciated the promptness of the SIT in completing its task and indicated that an honorarium may be provided to its members. By accepting the SIT’s findings, the court has effectively drawn a line under the controversy, affirming that no foul play was involved in the functioning of Vantara.
