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The SIT has found the allegations of misuse of carbon credits, water resources, or financial impropriety at Vantara to be baseless
Vantara in Jamnagar imports animals only after issuance of valid permits, said the SIT. (File)
The Supreme Court’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) after its probe into Anant Ambani’s Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, said that Vantara facilities exceed the prescribed benchmarks. The SC perused and accepted the findings of the report on Monday.
The SIT, after thorough investigation in coordination with multiple agencies, 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.
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“The court has no hesitation in accepting the conclusion so drawn in the report. Thus, as no contravention of law has been reported by the SIT, the complaints particularly those listed in Schedule A in the summary of the report stand closed,” the SC said.
SIT says imports and acquisitions at Vantara fully documented
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.
Repeated complaints had already been rejected
It is pertinent to mention that repeated inquiries into the affairs of Vantara pursuant to multiple complaints/petitions filed from time to time have culminated with findings of no violation of law whatsoever, it was said.
Welfare standards exceed benchmarks: SIT
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,” found the report.
Also Read: Vantara Complying With Laws, Don’t Tarnish It: Supreme Court After Opening SIT Report
Independent global certification
“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’, SIT said.
Periodic inspections validate compliance
The periodic inspection by the Central Zoo Authority and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat, along with assessments by CITES, reinforced the above conclusion. The allegations of deficiency in welfare standard are therefore unfounded, said SIT.
Financial impropriety allegations dismissed
On the so-called allegations of misuse of carbon credits, water resources, or financial impropriety, the SIT has found them to be baseless. 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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Court has barred repetitive petitions
No further complaint or proceedings based upon such same set of allegations shall be entertained before any judicial statutory or administrative forum… to secure finality, obviate repetitive inquiries, said the SIT
SIT’s recommendations to be implemented
The respondent – Vantara and the concerned authorities are directed to consider and implement the measures suggested by the SIT.
Vantara free to pursue remedies against misinformation
The SC said: “We may leave it open to the respondent Vantara to pursue its remedies in accordance with law for the deletion of any offending publication or for any action against those responsible for the misinformation or for actions for defamation or private complaints.”
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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, 19:20 IST
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