On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of India constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar to investigate the operations of Anant Ambani’s Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre owned by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The court acted on two public interest litigations filed against Vantara, focusing on allegations such as unlawful acquisition of animals (especially elephants), mistreatment of animals in captivity, violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, financial irregularities, and misuse of resources.
The SIT’s mandate includes verifying compliance with domestic and international wildlife trade laws, including CITES, and submitting its report by September 12. Vantara has pledged full cooperation and emphasised its commitment to transparency and animal welfare.
Allegations and the Probe Mandate
Vantara, officially branded as Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, has faced widespread scrutiny following investigative reports and petitions highlighting serious concerns. Allegations include unlawful import and acquisition of exotic species, mistreatment of animals, and financial and environmental irregularities.
The Supreme Court noted that the petitions, largely based on media reports and NGO complaints, did not initially provide substantive evidence but ordered the SIT to conduct a thorough fact-finding inquiry given the gravity and public interest in the matter.
The SIT comprises eminent figures including Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and Additional Commissioner Customs Anish Gupta, tasked with onsite inspection, verifying permits, animal welfare standards, and environmental conditions around the facility.
Background of the Controversy and Court Proceedings
The controversy intensified when a 36-year-old elephant named Mahadevi (also called Madhuri) was transferred from a temple in Kolhapur to Vantara under a Supreme Court order in July 2025, sparking public protests and legal challenges. Vantara claims to operate as a centre for rescue, rehabilitation, and care of approximately 3,000 animals across its 3,000-acre campus, including running the world’s largest elephant hospital.
The disputes have also pointed to alleged lapses by statutory bodies such as the Central Zoo Authority and CITES in monitoring and granting permits. The court’s SIT mandate covers these facets, alongside complaints of possible money laundering and misuse of biodiversity resources. The SIT will report its findings by mid-September, enabling the court to decide further action.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Supreme Court’s decision to establish an independent SIT underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in wildlife conservation efforts, especially those linked to powerful corporate interests. The Logical Indian supports ethical, lawful, and compassionate approaches to animal welfare and conservation, recognising their complexity and the importance of safeguarding biodiversity.
This case highlights the necessity for rigorous oversight to ensure that rescue and rehabilitation projects uphold legal standards and prioritize animal well-being without succumbing to exploitation or malpractice.
