The Supreme Court has given its nod to the Vantara elephant care facility, stating that there was no apparent wrongdoing in the transfer of temple elephants to the rescue center, provided due procedures were followed. This decision comes after the Court reviewed a report from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that provided a clean chit to Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat.
The SIT, headed by former Supreme Court Justice J. Chelameswar, was formed to conduct an independent investigation into allegations surrounding animal welfare and operational practices at Vantara. The investigation was prompted by Public Interest Litigations (PILs) alleging irregularities, based on media reports, social media content, and complaints from NGOs and wildlife organizations. The core concerns revolved around the acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, from both India and abroad, and whether these acquisitions and the subsequent care adhered to legal and regulatory standards.
During the proceedings, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P.B. Varale addressed claims about the treatment of elephants at Vantara. Allegations of mistreatment were deemed unsubstantiated, with the bench emphasizing that the acquisition of animals was carried out in compliance with regulatory norms. Justice Mithal noted that authorities expressed satisfaction with the compliance and regulatory measures at the facility. The court also stated that if the acquisition of an elephant follows the provisions of the law, there is no issue.
The Supreme Court noted that certain cultural and conservation practices are a matter of national pride and should not be disrupted without evidence. Justice Mithal stated that no unnecessary allegations must be made now that an independent body has found no foul play and that good things should be allowed to happen in the country. The court also declined to address an issue raised regarding a temple elephant being taken away, stating that it would not delve into it.
The court was hearing a writ petition seeking investigation into the affairs of Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) run by the Reliance Foundation at Jamnagar, Gujarat. The court had previously described a plea seeking the return of captive elephants in Vantara to their owners as "completely vague".
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Harish Salve, representing Vantara, expressed concerns that publishing the SIT report might lead to unnecessary speculation and that there is some confidentiality attached to how the animals are cared for. Salve highlighted that Vantara's staff fully cooperated with the SIT, providing access to all facilities and information, and that significant resources and expertise have been invested in developing animal care practices.
