Vantara responded to the Supreme Court SIT probe order stating, “Committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law.” The Reliance Foundation project reaffirmed its dedication to animal welfare, regulatory standards, and lawful practices in wildlife care.
New Delhi: Following the Supreme Court’s directive to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Vantara Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre announced on Tuesday that it will fully cooperate with the investigation and continue its mission of rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Vantara expressed its respect for the Supreme Court’s order, stating,
“We acknowledge the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law.”
In their statement, Vantara emphasized its dedication to animal welfare,
“Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts.”
They also requested that the inquiry proceed without speculation, emphasizing the best interests of the animals they serve.
The Supreme Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations against the Vantara Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is owned by the Reliance Foundation.
The SIT will be led by retired Supreme Court Justice Jasti Chelameswar and will include former Chief Justices Raghavendra Chauhan of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Court, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and IRS officer Anish Gupta.
This decision was made by Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale in response to writ petitions claiming that Vantara unlawfully acquired animals from both domestic and international sources, mistreated animals in captivity, and engaged in financial irregularities and money laundering.
The Bench instructed the SIT to complete its investigation and submit a report by September 12, with the next hearing scheduled for September 15.
The SIT has been tasked with examining and reporting on the following matters:
- Acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants.
- Compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo regulations.
- Adherence to the International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) and compliance with import/export laws related to live animals.
- Standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, animal welfare, and causes of mortality.
- Complaints about climatic conditions and the centre’s location near industrial areas.
- Allegations regarding personal collections, breeding, conservation programs, and the use of biodiversity resources.
- Issues related to the misuse of water and carbon credits.
- Breaches of various laws concerning wildlife trade and smuggling as highlighted in the petitions.
- Financial compliance issues, including money laundering.
- Any other relevant subjects related to the allegations made in these petitions.
Case Title : C R Jaya Sukin v Union of India
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