Jamnagar: The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, has spent three days at the Vantara facility in Jamnagar as part of its fact-finding inquiry into allegations of unlawful animal procurement, mistreatment, and financial irregularities.
The SIT has issued a comprehensive questionnaire to Vantara management, seeking details on financial transactions, international acquisition of animals, compliance with zoo and wildlife regulations, housing standards, and transfer procedures.
Scope of inquiry
Constituted on August 25, 2025, the SIT includes Justice Chelameswar as Chairperson, Justice Raghavendra Chauhan (former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts), Hemant Nagrale, IPS (former Mumbai Police Commissioner), and Anish Gupta, IRS (Additional Commissioner, Customs).
The panel has been tasked with probing acquisitions of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants, and ensuring compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, CITES norms, and live animal import-export regulations. It will also assess animal husbandry standards, veterinary care, mortality data, and welfare protocols.
Focus areas and wider concerns
The SIT has summoned forest and wildlife officials to explain the transfer of elephants and other species to Jamnagar. Sixteen other agencies are assisting in the inquiry. Allegations under review include misuse of resources such as water and carbon credits, financial mismanagement, wildlife smuggling, and creation of a vanity collection.
The team is also examining climatic conditions, the centre’s proximity to industrial zones, and the adequacy of breeding and conservation programmes.
Supreme Court’s stance
The bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale directed the SIT to complete its inquiry and submit a report by September 12, 2025. The Court clarified that the exercise is a fact-finding inquiry, not a trial, meant to establish the factual position before issuing further orders.
The Court also warned that any non-cooperation with the SIT could attract contempt proceedings.
Background of the case
The petitions before the Supreme Court have alleged large-scale violations by Vantara, including unlawful animal transfers and non-compliance with statutory mandates by the Central Zoo Authority and the CITES Management Authority.
Earlier, the Court noted that the petitions lacked probative material, but ordered an independent appraisal given the seriousness of the allegations and concerns over regulatory authorities’ ability to act.
One of the focal points has been the transfer of a 33-year-old female elephant, Mahadevi, from a Kolhapur-based Jain Math to Vantara. While petitioners alleged irregularities, both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court upheld the transfer. Vantara has clarified that it acted strictly under binding court directions and expressed willingness to support Mahadevi’s return to Kolhapur if requested by the Jain Math and Maharashtra government.
Conclusion
With the SIT’s inspection completed and its report due shortly, the Supreme Court is expected to decide on the next steps in the Vantara case. The inquiry is likely to set an important precedent for animal welfare, compliance with international norms, and accountability of private conservation facilities in India.