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The SC said that the SIT, after thorough investigation in coordination with multiple agencies, had concluded that there is no violation of any law at Vantara
The SC perused the SIT report on Vantara on Monday. (File/Instagram)
Based on the findings of its Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Supreme Court on Monday held that Anant Ambani’s Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, had not flouted any law.
“On the basis of the report of the SIT, the Court is of the opinion that the receipt of animals by the respondent – Vantara by rescuing them from various situations and housing them in the rescue centre for conservation, and breeding programs have gone through a complex multi-layered/multi-jurisdictional statutory approvals, procedure and documentation,” said the SC bench of bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale, which perused the report on Monday.
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The SC said that the SIT, after thorough investigation in coordination with multiple agencies, had concluded that there is no violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, CZA guidelines, Customs Act, 1962, Foreign Trade (Regulation and development) Act, 1992, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora. The Court has no hesitation in accepting the conclusion so drawn in the report, it said.
No animal smuggling or laundering in import of animals at Vantara: SC
“The imports of the animals have been made only after issuance of valid permits. Once the imports 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. The import clearance in India is after various checks and compliances which are regulated and enforced by multiple statutory authorities as recorded by the SIT in the summary of the report,” the SC said.
The court highlighted that repeated inquiries into the affairs of Vantara with multiple complaints/petitions filed from time to time have culminated with findings of no violation of law whatsoever. Thus, there is apparently no merit in any of the allegations of animal smuggling or laundering.
SC on SIT probe
The SC had through its order dated 25.08.2025 noted that the allegations made in the Writ Petitions were unsubstantiated and were without any probative material. Yet, considering the gravity of the allegations, an SIT was formed.
“It indicates that the SIT with the help of multiple Central and State agencies, regulatory and enforcement bodies, had examined reports and affidavits, conducted site visits, obtained expert opinion and granted personal hearings. The SIT during the inquiry covered the entire range of allegations not only concerning acquisition of animals, smuggling, laundering, but also regarding welfare and husbandry, conservation and breeding, climatic and location issues, and financial and trade improprieties,” said the SC order.
The SIT coordinated with the Central Zoo Authority, wildlife Crime Control Bureau, CITES Management Authority of India, Central Bureau of Investigation, Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs Department and the Jurisdictional Police and carried out a thorough and extensive investigation into complaints.
SC on welfare standards at Vantara
“On the aspect of welfare standards to be adopted and followed for the conservation and preservation of the animals at Vantara, the SIT, after taking expert opinion, has found that the Vantara facilities 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,” said the SC.
Also Read: Who Is Justice Chelameswar Leading SC’s Vantara SIT? The Firm Voice On IT Act, Aadhaar & NJAC Act
The SC noted that 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 has been awarded ‘Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval’ which is of significance as it provides independent validation of standards of welfare and conservation of animals. The periodic inspection by the Central Zoo Authority and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat, along with assessments by CITES reinforced the conclusion. “The allegations of deficiency in welfare standard are therefore unfounded, the SC said.
On the 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, Enforcement Directorate from whom the SIT sought expert assistance clarified that there is no breach of provisions of the prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The SIT deprecated the allegations and aspersions cast upon the statutory authorities, court appointed high power committee and also on the Courts.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 15, 2025, 19:01 IST
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