In a resounding vindication of its conservation efforts, the Supreme Court of India on Monday gave a definitive clean chit to Vantara. The order, which dismisses all allegations of illegality and impropriety, marks the culmination of an exhaustive and fearlessly conducted investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The Court’s order, based on the SIT’s thorough report, provides a powerful endorsement of Vantara’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
Anant Ambani, the force behind Vantara
The allegations against Vantara were filed in public interest, claiming unsubstantiated wrongdoings. Yet, the Supreme Court, “considering the gravity of the allegations,” constituted a high-powered SIT comprising former judges and a former police commissioner to conduct a fact-finding inquiry. The SIT’s investigation was a comprehensive and multi-agency effort, coordinating with the Central Zoo Authority, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, and Customs Department, among others. This rigorous examination covered a wide spectrum of issues, including animal acquisition, alleged smuggling and money laundering, animal welfare, conservation programs, and financial irregularities.
The apex court even cautioned campaigners against discrediting the initiative. It observed that no further complaint or proceedings based upon the same set of allegations shall be entertained before any judicial statutory or administrative forum. The findings of the SIT were unequivocal. The report “clearly opined and concluded that there is no violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, CZA guidelines, Customs Act, 1962, Foreign Trade (Regulation and development) Act, 1992, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora.”
The Supreme Court of India. PIC/ISTOCK
The Supreme Court, in a strong statement of approval, declared that it had “no hesitation in accepting the conclusion so drawn in the report.” It further noted that Vantara’s operations, including the receipt of rescued animals and their housing for conservation and breeding, have gone through “a complex multi-layered/multi-jurisdictional statutory approvals, procedure and documentation.” The Court underscored that all imports were made “only after issuance of valid permits”, concluding that “there is apparently no merit in any of the allegations of animal smuggling or laundering.”
The SIT was chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice J Chelameswar, one of the tallest jurists of contemporary India. Observers point out that the SIT verdict is even more significant because of the composition and credibility of its members. Justice Chelameswar has been seen to be unaffected by the pulls and pressures of the political class and other powers that be. He is seen as a man with a heart, as a voice of reason and as a man who doesn’t fear to swim against the tide. He is the strongest force of dissent and the strongest hope of dissenters. When he opines on a matter, he does so with a moral courage that very few possess in today’s times. With him also not being able to find anything wrong with Vantara, it should not only convince the strongest of critics but also shut them down forever.
The SIT report also debunked allegations regarding the centre’s location near an industrial zone, citing expert inputs that the climatic conditions are “very congenial for the species housed.” The report further rejected the idea that Vantara is merely a “vanity or private collection.” The SIT noted the organisation’s extensive scale, professionalism, and governance, pointing out that it maintains Memoranda of Understanding with various state governments and foreign authorities and employs nearly 3,000 personnel, including globally recognised experts. The SIT also highlighted Vantara’s serious commitment to conservation, noting that it has initiated conservation breeding programs for 41 endangered species. The success of the cheetah program, which has resulted in the birth of 17 cheetahs, was particularly praised. The SIT believes that over time, Vantara “would contribute to India’s own cheetah rewilding objectives.”
The Court’s order also carries a strong message against the proliferation of unfounded and speculative complaints. The SIT found allegations regarding the misuse of water and carbon credits to be “wholly baseless and lacking even the semblance of factual or legal foundation.” The SIT and the Court expressed concern that such “speculative complaints or petitions to continue despite such authoritative determinations in the past would be wholly unjustified and an abuse of the process.” In light of this, the Supreme Court has taken a decisive step to bring finality to the issue. The complaints listed in the SIT’s report are now “duly investigated and closed.”
Not only relief, but a blessing too, says Team Vantara
Reacting to the judgement, Team Vantara stressed that the verdict was not only a relief but a blessing. “With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The SIT’s report and the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara’s animal welfare mission were without any basis.
Anant Ambani, who has led the way in caring and protecting animals
The validation of the truth by the distinguished and widely respected members of the SIT is not just a relief for everyone at Vantara but also a blessing, because it allows our work to speak for itself,” said Team Vantara in a statement. “The SIT’s findings and the Apex Court’s order give us further strength and encouragement to continue serving with humility and devotion to those who cannot speak for themselves. The entire Vantara family expresses heartfelt gratitude for this affirmation and reassures everyone of our lifelong commitment to protecting and caring for animals and birds with compassion.”
Perhaps the most compelling testament to Vantara’s standards comes from the SIT’s findings on animal welfare. The SIT, after seeking expert opinions, concluded that Vantara’s facilities exceed the prescribed benchmark. The Supreme Court itself was “more than satisfied that the facilities at Vantara in certain respects exceeds the prescribed standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care and welfare as well as the statutory benchmarks laid down by the Central Zoo Authority.” The SIT’s report highlighted the independent audit by the Global Humane Society (GHS), “the world’s largest and most respected certifier of animal welfare.”
A team of international experts conducted a nine-day on-site evaluation, and the audit “found that Vantara not only complied with but exceeded internationally recognised benchmarks.” The GHS subsequently awarded Vantara the ‘Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval’, a certification of “particular significance” as it “independently validates that Vantara operates at the highest international standards of welfare and conservation.”
“Vantara has always been about love, compassion, and responsibility towards the voiceless among us. Every animal we rescue, every bird we heal, every life we save is a reminder that their well-being is not separate from our own — it is an inseparable part of the well-being of all humanity. When we care for animals, we are also caring for the soul of humanity. We take this occasion to pledge our solidarity with the Government of India, State Governments, and all other stakeholders involved in the huge and challenging task of animal care, and affirm that that Vantara will always be ready to work in close collaboration with them. Let’s together make Mother Earth a better place for all living beings,” added Team Vantara.
They are fit and fine now at Vantara
When Fareeda arrived at Vantara, she suffered from overgrown hooves caused by restricted movement in concrete enclosures, making each step painful. She required a delicate, sedation-free trimming procedure. With her advanced pregnancy under consideration, our expert team carefully treated her, ensuring her comfort and her babies’ safety. Her resilience shone as she healed and gave birth to rare twins, Sita and Laxman, who now thrive by her side.
When Chottu was rescued, he endured dire conditions in a circus, which led to physical weakness and isolation. Upon his arrival at Vantara, he was introduced to a habitat designed to mimic natural conditions, aiding his recovery. There, he met Chotti, another rescued hippo, and their bond flourished. When Chotti arrived, she was already pregnant, and a few months later, she gave birth to Jammy. In this new environment, Chottu not only regained his strength but also found companionship.
Champa was rescued with severe joint pain and deep wounds that made movement difficult. We provided her with daily herbal massages, hot water fomentation, and hydrotherapy to ease her pain, as well as wound care and tailored medications to support healing. Our custom support structure helped her regain strength. Today, Champa roams freely, surrounded by her herd, living harmoniously and enjoying her newfound freedom.
All figured out
>> Two writ petitions alleged illegalities and improprieties at Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre & Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust).
>> Earlier (August 25, 2025), the Court had found no probative material but, due to the seriousness, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by retired judges and senior officials to conduct a fact-finding inquiry.
SIT Investigation
>> SIT coordinated with multiple Indian and foreign authorities (CZA, CBI, ED, DRI, Customs, CITES bodies, etc.).
>> Examined records, affidavits, site visits, expert opinions, and personal hearings.
>> Investigated allegations relating to animal acquisition, smuggling, laundering, welfare, conservation, financial improprieties, and environmental issues.
Key Findings
1 No legal violations:
>> No breach of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Zoo Rules, CZA guidelines, Customs Act, FEMA, PMLA, or CITES was found.
>> All acquisitions and imports were duly permitted and documented.
2 Animal welfare & facilities:
>> Vantara’s facilities exceed prescribed benchmarks of welfare, husbandry, and veterinary care.
>> Mortality rates align with global zoological averages.
>> Certified by the Global Humane Society with the “Global Humane Certified™️
Seal of Approval”.
3 Financial allegations:
>> Claims of misuse of carbon credits, water, or money laundering were found baseless.
>> No irregular flows of funds or smuggling links were detected.
4 Repetitive complaints:
>> Court noted Vantara has repeatedly faced similar allegations, all found
without merit.
>> Continuing such speculative petitions was termed an abuse of process.
Court`s Directions
>> SIT report sealed; full copy to Vantara for internal use.
>> Summary of SIT report not confidential and part of the Court’s order.
>> All complaints/petitions mentioned in Schedule A stand closed.
>> No further complaints on the same allegations will be entertained in any forum.
>> Vantara and authorities must implement SIT’s suggested measures.
>> Vantara may pursue remedies against defamatory publications.
>> SIT members (except the serving IRS officer) awarded honorarium for their work.
In Closing
The Supreme Court fully accepted the SIT’s findings, closed the cases, and barred repetitive litigation on the same issues. It also praised Vantara’s welfare standards and conservation efforts, while cautioning against unfounded allegations.
The SIT investigation
Special Investigation Team (SIT) coordinated with multiple Indian and foreign authorities. Examined records, affidavits, site visits, expert opinions, and personal hearings. Investigated allegations relating to animal acquisition, smuggling, laundering, welfare, conservation, financial improprieties, and environmental issues.
No truth in allegations
Claims of misuse of carbon credits, water, or money laundering were found to be baseless. No irregular flows of funds or smuggling links were detected.
The conclusion
The Supreme Court fully accepted the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) findings, closed the cases, and barred repetitive litigation on the same issues. It also praised Vantara’s welfare standards and conservation efforts, while cautioning against unfounded allegations.
Text and pics courtesy Vantara website
