From Sanctuary to Scrutiny: Supreme Court Orders SIT Probe into Vantara’s Animal Welfare Practices

Context and Background:

On August 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of India constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the operations of Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, owned by the Reliance Foundation. Vantara is home to more than 1,50,000 animals, including over 2,000 species. The centre operates over 998-acre elephant welfare trust, which is the World’s largest facility for rehabilitated elephants.

The SIT will be headed by the Former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice J. Chelameswar, along with the three other members.

Recently, two writ petitions were filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. These two Petitions are solely based on news and stories in newspapers, social media, and complaints by non-governmental organisations and Wildlife Organisations.

The SIT has been tasked with examining, among other aspects, whether the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act and other applicable laws were followed in the acquisition of animals, especially elephants, both from within India and overseas.

Supreme Court of India in session as SIT probe scrutinizes Vantara’s animal welfare and compliance with wildlife protection laws.

What’s Behind the Recent Controversy of Vantara?

Earlier this month, the local community in neighbouring Maharashtra did protest against the relocation of a 36-year-old elephant to Vantara, which was unwell. From the last many years, the elephant had been regarded as an integral part of their spiritual and cultural life, making the move deeply sensitive for the community.

With these sentiments, Reliance issued a statement recognizing the “deep religious and cultural significance” of the elephant. The company clarified that the relocation was carried out in compliance with a court directive. 

Legal and Constitutional Provisions: 

1. Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: The SIT’s mandate includes verifying Vantara’s compliance with WPA, 1972, as well as the Zoo rules framed under it. 

   
   

2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): The SIT will assess Vantara’s compliance with CITES regulations, along with Indian import/export statutes concerning live animals.

3. Article 48A – Directive Principle for Environmental Protection: This provision mandates the state to protect and improve the environment and wildlife. 

   
   

4. Article 21 - Right to Wildlife and Environmental Quality - Article 21 has been interpreted to include protection of the environment and wildlife. Ensuring animal welfare and legal accountability at Vantara reinforces this FR.

Supreme Court Order under Vantara Petition

The Supreme Court of India observed that "However, in the wake of the allegations that the statutory authorities or the Courts are either unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate, more particularly in the absence of verification of correctness of the factual situation, we consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal which may establish the violation, as alleged, if any. Accordingly, we deem it appropriate to direct the constitution of a Special Investigation Team ('SIT') of respectable persons of impeccable integrity and high repute having long public service."

The SIT shall examine and submit report inter alia on the following:

1. Acquisition of animals from India and abroad, especially elephants.

2. Compliance with Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, zoo rules, and CITES.

3. Adherence to import/export laws for live animals.

4. Standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, husbandry, and mortality causes.

5. Complaints on climatic suitability and industrial zone location.

6. Allegations of vanity/private collections, breeding, conservation, and biodiversity use.

7. Misuse of water and carbon credits.

8. Breaches of law, including wildlife trade, smuggling, and related offences.

9. Financial irregularities and money laundering.

10. Any other matter relevant to allegations in the petitions.

The Court noted that the SIT will get the full support from Central Zoo Authority, the CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the State of Gujarat, including its Forest and Police Departments and Clarified that the SIT role is to find the facts and we are not making any decision or remark on these official bodies or 'Vantara'.

Way Forward:

The Supreme Court of India set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to find the facts. The court did not make any decision in regards to the allegation but formed the SIT, whereas the SIT looked into the issues like acquisition and treatment of animals and compliance with wildlife laws and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 1973. The Supreme Court clarified that they are not criticising the Vantara or any official body. It's only for finding the facts.

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