In a major relief for Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, the Supreme Court has expressed satisfaction with the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe its operations. The decision comes after months of scrutiny amid allegations of non-compliance with animal safety laws.
A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale confirmed that the apex court will pass its final order after reviewing the sealed report submitted by the SIT. The Court emphasized that authorities may consider recommendations to further improve the functioning of the rescue centre, but unnecessary objections will no longer be entertained.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court stated, “Now we have report of an independent committee. We will go by that. They have taken help of experts also. All authorities will be free to take suggestions — over any recommendations made by the committee. We will not permit anyone to raise objections again and again.”
The SIT was constituted on August 25 following allegations that Vantara had acquired animals, including elephants, from India and abroad without proper regulatory compliance. The latest report, submitted last Friday, confirmed that the centre adhered to all required safety and legal protocols, giving a clean chit to the NGO.
