Supreme Court Forms SIT to Probe Reliance Foundation’s Vantara Wildlife Centre

The Supreme Court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former Justice J Chelameswar, to probe the affairs of Vantara, Reliance Foundation’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The SIT will examine animal acquisitions from India and abroad, especially elephants, and compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo rules. It will investigate allegations including animal mistreatment, financial irregularities, money laundering, and other concerns.

The SIT must report by September 12, 2025. The Court stressed the inquiry aims to ascertain facts, not presume guilt and that the state government must facilitate the probe.

[Jaya Sukin v Union of India]