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3w ago

Supreme Court-Appointed SIT on Vantara Sets First Meeting in Delhi

The panel will conduct a time‑bound fact‑finding inquiry into Vantara’s legal compliance, with its report due Sept. 12.

The Supreme Court said the order only sought a fact-finding inquiry to ascertain the true factual position to enable the court to pass further orders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses for a picture with Reliance Foundation Director Anant Ambani during his visit to the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre, Vantara, in Jamnagar | File Photo | ANI
Vantara is spread over 3000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance's Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat. It aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally. 
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Overview

  • Justice J. Chelameswar’s team held informal discussions and will convene its first formal session in New Delhi on Thursday.
  • The mandate spans animal acquisitions—particularly elephants—compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, CITES and import/export laws, welfare standards, mortalities, and financial issues including money laundering.
  • The court empowered the SIT to conduct a physical inspection of the Jamnagar facility and to seek documents and testimony from petitioners, officials, regulators, intervenors and journalists.
  • Statutory bodies including the Central Zoo Authority, CITES Management Authority, the Environment Ministry and Gujarat’s forest and police departments must assist, with non‑cooperation potentially inviting contempt.
  • The case returns to the Supreme Court on Sept. 15; Vantara has pledged full cooperation following PILs that intensified after the July transfer of an ailing temple elephant to the centre.