Supreme Court Orders SIT Probe Into Ambani-Linked Vantara Project
• Supreme Court’s Wildlife Probe
• Ambani Project Under Microscope
• Global Animal Trade Scrutiny
Unmesh Gujarathi
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The Supreme Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of illegal wildlife acquisitions and financial irregularities at the Vantara animal rescue facility in Jamnagar. The SIT, led by retired Justice J Chelameswar, must submit its report within three weeks. The project, inaugurated by the PM, houses thousands of animals.
In a significant judicial move, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the operations of the Vantara wildlife facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The 3,000-acre sanctuary, initiated by Anant Ambani and inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024, is one of the world’s largest private rescue and rehabilitation centers. This decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging illegal wildlife acquisitions and financial irregularities.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale acknowledged the PIL lacked extensive evidence but emphasized the gravity of the accusations. The Court expressed concern over potential incapacity or unwillingness of statutory authorities to conduct a fair probe, justifying the need for an independent inquiry. The SIT has been granted a stringent three-week deadline to submit its findings by September 12, 2025.
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Composition of the Special Investigation Team
The SIT comprises four distinguished members known for their expertise and impartiality. Leading the team is Justice J Chelameswar, a retired Supreme Court judge renowned for his judicial independence. He is joined by Justice Raghvendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts, Hemant Nagrale, IPS (ex-Mumbai Police Commissioner), and Anish Gupta, IRS (Additional Commissioner of Customs).
This Special Investigation Team (SIT) is mandated to examine multiple facets of Vantara’s functioning. Key areas include compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, CITES regulations, and import-export protocols. The team will also scrutinize operational standards, animal welfare practices, and allegations of financial misreporting or smuggling.
Scope and Focus of the SIT Probe
The SIT will evaluate the legality of animal acquisitions, particularly elephants, and review veterinary care and mortality records. Another critical focus is assessing whether Jamnagar’s industrial environment is suitable for housing diverse wildlife species. The probe will also explore broader claims of biodiversity misuse and potential money laundering activities.
Several government bodies, including the Central Zoo Authority, CITES Management Authority, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, will assist the SIT. The Gujarat Forest and Police Departments have also been directed to provide full cooperation to the investigators.
Vantara’s Scale and International Scrutiny
Vantara has been promoted as a premier rescue hub, housing over 200 elephants, 300 large cats, and thousands of other animals. However, independent reports suggest the facility may host over 39,000 animals from 200 species, sourced globally. This scale has attracted international attention and criticism.
Investigations by foreign media outlets and animal rights groups allege that Vantara’s acquisitions may have incentivized illegal wildlife trade, particularly involving imports from the UAE and South Africa. The transfer of elephants like Mahadevi (Madhuri) from a Kolhapur math to Jamnagar also triggered public protests and legal challenges.
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Judicial Balancing and Tight Timeline
The Court carefully balanced its order, clarifying that the SIT’s role is fact-finding rather than accusatory. It explicitly refrained from casting aspersions on Reliance Foundation or government agencies. However, the unusually short deadline of three weeks to investigate a project of this complexity has raised eyebrows among legal and environmental experts.
This Special Investigation Team (SIT) faces the challenge of delivering a preliminary yet comprehensive report within this constrained timeframe. The outcome will determine whether the Court pursues more extensive proceedings or legal action based on the findings.
Broader Implications and Institutional Response
The probe holds symbolic significance due to the high-profile inauguration of Vantara by the Prime Minister and its association with the Ambani family. The Court’s intervention occurs amid heightened scrutiny of corporate-linked projects and enforcement actions involving major business groups.
Vantara issued a statement affirming its commitment to transparency and animal welfare. The organization pledged full cooperation with the SIT, emphasizing that compassion and legal compliance remain central to its mission. The findings of this Special Investigation Team (SIT) are eagerly awaited by stakeholders nationwide.
