Supreme Court Closes Case Against Vantara Animal Rescue Centre After Clean Chit from SIT
All Petitions Dismissed; SIT Finds No Legal or Procedural Violations, Allows Vantara To Act Against Defamation
The Supreme Court has closed proceedings against Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, after accepting the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar. The SIT found complete compliance with all statutory requirements in animal acquisition and welfare, dismissing allegations of illegal procurement, mistreatment, financial impropriety, and money laundering.
Vantara, founded by Anant Mukesh Ambani and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, faced allegations of smuggling protected species, poor animal welfare, and financial irregularities. The SIT examined records including permits, veterinary data, financial flows, and conducted site inspections and independent audits. It found that all animal acquisitions, including those involving exotic species and temple elephants, met legal standards and had proper approvals. Animal welfare practices exceeded both Central Zoo Authority and global benchmarks, and independent evaluations awarded Vantara the “Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval.”
Regarding financial matters, the SIT found no instances of fraud, laundering, or illegal payments—transactions cited were related only to freight and insurance. The centre’s conservation efforts, staff strength, and structured breeding programs further reinforced that Vantara was not a private vanity project. Allegations based on hearsay or association with individuals convicted abroad were deemed speculative and irrelevant.
With respect to the transfer of temple elephants, including the much-cited case of “Madhuri,” the SIT verified full compliance with legal protocols, noting that elephant relocations were carried out following orders of the Bombay High Court and confirmed by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court, while closing the case and barring further petitions on similar grounds, granted liberty to Vantara to initiate action against defamatory reports and misinformation. The Bench commended the thoroughness and independence of the SIT’s investigation and awarded honoraria to its members. This judgment puts to rest recurring controversies surrounding Vantara, affirming the centre’s operational integrity and adherence to statutory norms.