New Delhi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Supreme Court to probe allegations of irregularities against Vantara, has given a clean chit to the zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre set up by Mukesh Ambani in Gujarat’s Jamnagar.
The Bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice P B Varale took the report that was submitted on Friday on record on Monday and noted that authorities have expressed satisfaction on the issue of compliance and regulatory measures in Vantara.
The Court said that it would pass a detailed order during the day after going through the report.
The SIT was constituted by the Apex Court on August 25 to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against Vantara, in view of allegations of non-compliance with laws and acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants.
The four-member SIT, headed by a former Supreme Court judge was constituted after the Court heard two Public Interest Litigations against Vantara, alleging irregularities on the basis of reports in the media and social media and diverse complaints from NGOs and wildlife organisations.
On August 14, the top court described as “completely vague” the plea filed by petitioner C R Jaya Sukin seeking to get a monitoring committee formed to return the captive elephants in Vantara to their owners.
It was on the behest of Ambani scion Anant that Vantara was set up, primarily as a rehabilitation centre and health care facility for elephants. Other animals also found their way to the centre that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this year.
“Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort,” Modi had posted after the inauguration.
“An effort like Vantara is truly commendable, a vibrant example of our centuries old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with,” he added.
