Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against Wildlife Imports by Reliance’s Vantara Facility

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking an investigation into wildlife imports by Vantara, an animal rehabilitation facility managed by the Reliance Group.

The Bench noted that a court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) had already cleared the facility of any domestic or international law violations in September 2025.

The Court observed that imports made under valid permissions cannot be treated as illegal due to subsequent objections. Further holding that relocating animals after lawful import could amount to cruelty.

Finding no merit in the allegations regarding CITES documentation, the Court refused to interfere with the settled environment of the animals.

[Karanartham Viramah Foundation v. UOI & Ors]