New Delhi [India], September 15 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday observed that multiple inquiries into the affairs of Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre, found no violations of law.
A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale dismissed allegations of animal smuggling and money laundering against the Jamnagar-based facility, which is owned and operated by the Reliance Foundation.
The remarks came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by C.R. Jaya Sukin, who alleged that animals were being smuggled into and mistreated at Vantara. In response, the Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on August 25, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, to conduct a fact-finding inquiry. The SIT submitted its report on Friday.
The Court noted that the SIT had thoroughly investigated all allegations, including illegal acquisition, smuggling, laundering of animals, as well as matters concerning animal welfare, husbandry, conservation, breeding, habitation, and financial and trade practices.
“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 bench stated.
Regarding animal welfare standards, the Court noted that Vantara’s facilities exceed prescribed benchmarks, and mortality rates align with global zoological averages. “We are more than satisfied that the facilities at Vantara in certain respects exceed the prescribed standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, and welfare, as well as the statutory benchmarks laid down by the Central Zoo Authority,” it added.
The Court further directed Vantara to consider and implement suggestions made by the SIT. While the detailed report will remain confidential and sealed, a full copy will be shared with Vantara. The summary of the report, reflecting the SIT’s conclusions without sensitive details, will not be treated as confidential.
After issuing these directions, the Supreme Court disposed of the petition. (ANI)
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