The Supreme Court has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an independent fact-finding inquiry into allegations against Vantara @ Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, the animal facility run in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale was hearing two writ petitions filed under Article 32 of the Constitution in public interest.
The petitions, based largely on news reports, social media content, and complaints from NGOs, accused Vantara of illegal acquisition of animals, mistreatment in captivity, wildlife smuggling, financial irregularities, and money laundering. The petitions also raised questions on statutory bodies like the Central Zoo Authority, the CITES Management Authority, and even judicial institutions.
However, the Bench noted that the petitions contained only allegations “with no material of probative worth.” Despite this, in view of the seriousness of the charges and aspersions cast on statutory authorities, the Court deemed it fit to appoint an SIT to independently verify the factual situation.
SIT Constitution
The SIT will be chaired by Justice Jasti Chelameswar, former Supreme Court judge, with the following members:
- Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts
- Hemant Nagrale, IPS, former Mumbai Police Commissioner
- Anish Gupta, IRS, Additional Commissioner, Customs
Mandate of the SIT
The SIT has been directed to examine:
- Acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants.
- Compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and zoo regulations.
- Adherence to international treaties such as CITES in animal import/export.
- Standards of animal husbandry, welfare, veterinary care, and mortality rates.
- Complaints about climatic conditions and the facility’s location near an industrial zone.
- Allegations of vanity projects, private collections, breeding practices, and misuse of biodiversity resources.
- Financial compliance, including issues of money laundering and trade in animal articles.
- Any other issues related to the allegations in the petitions.
The SIT has also been empowered to seek inputs from petitioners, regulatory authorities, experts, journalists, and other stakeholders. It will carry out a physical inspection of the Vantara facility in Jamnagar and submit its report by September 12, 2025.
The Supreme Court clarified that the fact-finding exercise is limited to assisting the Court in ascertaining the true position and does not, at this stage, cast any doubt on the functioning of Vantara or the statutory authorities.
The matter will be listed on September 15, 2025, for consideration of the SIT report. If no further orders are required, the petitions may stand disposed of.
Case Details
Case Title: C.R. Jaya Sukin Versus Union Of India & Ors.
Case No.: Writ Petition (Civil) No. 783/2025
Date: 25/08/2025
Counsel For Appellant: Harsh Vardhan Singh
Counsel For Respondent: Manish Tiwari, AOR
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