SC-appointed SIT gives clean chit to Reliance's Vantara, says no wrongdoing
This story was originally published at 18:11 IST on 15 September 2025
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NEW DELHI – A special investigation team appointed by the Supreme Court has given a clean chit to the Reliance Foundation-run Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The court noted that the acquisition of animals by Vantara was, at first sight, within the regulatory mechanism.
The court remarked that no unnecessary allegations must be made, now that an independent body had found no foul play in Vantara. "There are certain things we probably feel are the pride of this country," said the bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice P.B. Varale. "We should not unnecessarily rake up all these matters and raise hue and cry for the sake of that. Allow certain good things to happen to the country. We should be happy about all these good things."
The bench said it would pass a detailed order over the course of the day to close the case and accept the special investigation team's report. The court was hearing two petitions filed by C.R. Jaya Sukin, a lawyer, and activist Dev Sharma following the shifting of an elephant named Mahadevi from a temple in Kolhapur to Vantara in July. The petitioners had accused Vantara of unlawful acquisition of animals from India and abroad, mistreatment of animals in captivity, financial irregularities, and money laundering.
Consequently, the apex court formed a special investigation team headed by former Supreme Court judge Jasti Chelameswar. The team was asked to examine the acquisition of animals by Vantara from India and abroad, particularly elephants, compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and the rules for zoos made thereunder, and other related matters. The team was also asked by the court to carry out a physical verification and inspection of Vantara.
Vantara is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiative run by the Reliance Foundation, conceptualized and led by Anant Ambani, youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. The initiative focuses on the rescue, treatment, and long-term welfare of animals and operates as a large-scale haven and conservation effort. End
Reported by Surya Tripathi
Edited by Rajeev Pai
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