NEW DELHI: Based on the finding of an SC-appointed SIT headed by its retired judge J Chelameswar who told the court there had been no violation of law in the running of Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) at Jamnagar in Gujarat, the apex court on Monday not only closed the case against it but also directed that no further complaint upon same allegations shall be entertained before any judicial statutory or administrative forum.A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale said the SIT, whose inquiry covered the entire range of allegations – acquisition of animals, smuggling, laundering, welfare and husbandry, conservation and breeding, climatic and location issues, and financial and trade improprieties etc, did not find any wrongdoing. It said the court has no hesitation in accepting the conclusion drawn in the report, which said there was no contravention of law and there is no merit in the allegations of animal smuggling or laundering. “On the basis of the report of the SIT, the court is of the opinion that the receipt of animals by Vantara by rescuing them from various situations and housing them in the rescue centre for conservation, and breeding programmes have gone through a complex multi-layered/multijurisdictional statutory approvals, procedure and documentation. The imports of animals have been made only after issuance of valid permits. Once the import of animals is fully documented and supported by valid permits, it is not open for anyone to go beyond the said permits and to dispute the validity attached to such permits or official acts,” it said. Incorporating the SIT report, which was filed in a sealed envelope, the court said the panel found that welfare standards followed for conservation and preservation of the animals at Vantara exceed prescribed benchmark and the mortality figures align with the global zoological averages.”Upon consideration of the entire record, we are more than satisfied that the facilities at Vantara in certain respects exceeds the prescribed standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care and welfare as well as the statutory benchmarks laid down by the Central Zoo Authority. Independent bodies such as Global Human Society after site inspection and audit through a team has certified that respondent Vantara has not only complied with but exceeded internationally recognised benchmarks,” it said.”On the so-called allegations of misuse of carbon credits, water resources, or financial impropriety, the SIT has found them to be baseless relying upon responses from agencies like CBI, DRI and ED. The deputy director, ED, from whom the SIT sought expert assistance, clarified that there is no breach of provisions of the prevention of Money Laundering Act,” the order said.The court said, “No further complaint or proceedings based upon such same set of allegations shall be entertained before any judicial statutory or administrative forum was to secure finality, obviate repetitive inquiries and investigation on issues concluded by the SIT.” It also allowed Vantara to pursue remedies for the deletion of any offending publication or for any action against those responsible for misinformation against it.
