The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking a fresh investigation into the import of wildlife at Vantara, bringing an end to renewed calls for scrutiny over the facility’s operations.
In its decision, the court relied on the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that had previously examined the matter in detail. The panel, formed under the court’s direction, had reviewed allegations related to the sourcing and import of animals, including those brought in from other countries. Its report concluded that there were no violations of laws governing wildlife protection, international trade, or animal welfare.
The bench observed that the issues raised in the petition had already been thoroughly addressed through the earlier investigation. It noted that reopening the case would serve little purpose, especially when the SIT had found that due procedures and legal requirements were followed.
The controversy stemmed from concerns raised by activists and organisations, who questioned whether Vantara had complied with regulations while acquiring exotic and endangered species. These concerns led to a court-monitored probe to verify adherence to domestic laws as well as international frameworks such as CITES.
However, the investigation found that the necessary approvals and documentation were in place for the imports, and no evidence of wrongdoing was established. The court also pointed out that similar allegations had been examined in the past without yielding any substantive findings.
With the petition now rejected, the court has effectively upheld the conclusions of its earlier inquiry, signaling that the matter does not warrant further legal examination.
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