The Supreme Court has ordered the SIT (Special Investigation Team) to conduct an “independent factual appraisal” on Vantara on August 25. Vantara is owned and run by the Reliance Foundation. It’s aimed at rescuing and caring for animals, along with some rehabilitation initiatives.
In the last few months, there have been several complaints and allegations against Vantara. As a result, the apex court has formed a Special Investigation (SIT) team chaired by the former SC judge, Justice J. Chelameswar, to carry out an “independent factual appraisal”.
The 10 points that SC highlighted in its August 25 order are as follows:
- Inability to comply with the Wildlife (Protection) Act: There are concerns about following the legislative provisions for zoos and acquiring animals as per the Wildlife Protection Act.
- Alleged illegal animal acquisition: There are accusations that animals are being acquired from India and foreign places, especially elephants, which violates the current laws.
- Standards of veterinary care & animal welfare: There are questions regarding the regulation of the required standards of animal veterinary care, husbandry, welfare, and mortality rates.
- CITES violations and import/export rules: There is an alleged breach of international agreements regarding trade on endangered species, along with the requirements for import & export for live animals.
- Biodiversity misuse & collection of vanity: There are allegations that animals were being taken for the private collection, including some questionable animal breeding & conservation practices.
- Issues related to environment & location: There are complaints about Vantara’s climate and its closeness to the factory area, which may harm the health of animals.
- Utilisation of carbon credits & resources: There are alleged claims about water misuse and carbon credits’ handling in relation to the operations of the centre.
- Money laundering & financial wrongdoings: There are issues of alleged financial irregularities and money laundering, again in relation to the operations of the centre.
- Illegal trade activities & wildlife smuggling: There are claims of legal offences against animal trade, articles, and wildlife smuggling.
- Other allegations: Several petitioners stated that media reports, wildlife institutes, and NGOs raising allegations require a proper investigation into all the violations.
