In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the operations of the Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The centre, managed by the Reliance Foundation and spearheaded by Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, has been under scrutiny following various allegations concerning its practices.
The SIT will be led by Justice Jasti Chelameswar, a former judge of the Supreme Court, and will include former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts, Justice Raghvendra Chauhan; former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale; and senior IRS officer Anish Gupta. The team has been tasked with examining multiple aspects of the centre’s operations, including the acquisition of animals—particularly elephants—from both domestic and international sources, and ensuring compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The inquiry aims to ascertain whether the centre has adhered to legal standards concerning animal welfare, veterinary care, and ethical practices. Additionally, the SIT will investigate allegations related to the creation of a private collection under the guise of a rescue facility and examine any potential financial irregularities, including money laundering concerns.
The Supreme Court has directed the SIT to submit its findings by September 12, 2025. The court emphasized that this investigation serves as a fact-finding mission to assist in determining the veracity of the allegations and does not imply any presumption of wrongdoing by the Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre or the statutory authorities involved.
This move follows public interest litigations filed by non-governmental organizations and wildlife advocacy groups, which raised concerns about the centre’s operations and the treatment of animals under its care. The establishment of the SIT underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in wildlife conservation efforts.
The Vantara Wildlife Rescue Centre, spanning over 3,500 acres, houses more than 150,000 animals across 2,000 species and is noted for its extensive elephant welfare initiatives. The centre has expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with the SIT and reiterated its dedication to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals.
As the investigation progresses, the findings are expected to shed light on the centre’s adherence to wildlife protection laws and its role in India’s broader conservation efforts
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