SC CLEARS VANTARA, CASE DISMISSED

SC CLEARS VANTARA, CASE DISMISSED

19-SEP-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI---------------------------The Supreme Court has cleared Vantara of all allegations against it. The Supreme Court was hearing a petition seeking an investigation into Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Center) run by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Supreme Court has also stayed, subject to certain conditions, any future complaints or proceedings based on similar allegations against Vantara. The court also directed Vantara and the relevant authorities to consider and implement the measures recommended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Previously, the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case had also given a clean chit to Vantara, the zoological rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P.B. Varale took the report on record and stated that the SIT was satisfied with the compliance and adherence to regulations at Vantara.

The court ordered the SIT report to be sealed and kept confidential. However, Vantara will be provided with a copy for its own use. The Supreme Court did not consider the SIT's investigation findings confidential. The court stated, "We grant the respondent, Vantara, the freedom to remove any objectionable publications or take action against those responsible for the misinformation, or to initiate action for defamation."

Expressing happiness over the court's decision, a Vantara spokesperson said, "With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Honorable Supreme Court. The SIT report and the Honorable Supreme Court's order have made it clear that the suspicions and allegations raised against Vantara's animal welfare mission were baseless. Vantara has always been a symbol of love, compassion, and responsibility for the voiceless. Every animal, every bird we rescue, reminds us that they are no different from us. When we care for animals, we are also caring for the soul of humanity."

The court, hearing two public interest litigations alleging irregularities against Vantara, based on media and social media reports and various complaints from NGOs and wildlife organizations, constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice J. Chelameswar. The Supreme Court ordered the formation of the SIT on August 25 last month. The SIT submitted its report to the court in a sealed envelope on Friday.