The Supreme Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court judge, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, to conduct a comprehensive enquiry into the affairs of Vantara.
The decision comes in response to multiple petitions and complaints concerning alleged violations of environmental, wildlife, and financial regulations.
The SIT will include the following members:
- Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts
- Hemant Nagrale, IPS, former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai
- Anish Gupta, IRS, Additional Commissioner, Customs
The SIT has been tasked with probing a wide range of issues, including:
1. Acquisition of Animals: Investigating how animals, particularly elephants, were acquired both domestically and internationally.
2. Legal Compliance: Assessing compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo-related regulations.
3. International Protocols: Examining adherence to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and relevant import/export laws.
4. Animal Welfare: Evaluating standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care, animal welfare practices, and causes of mortalities.
5. Environmental Concerns: Investigating complaints regarding the climatic suitability of the site and its proximity to an industrial zone.
6. Collection and Conservation: Scrutinising allegations related to vanity collections, conservation programs, breeding practices, and use of biodiversity resources.
7. Resource Utilisation: Probing misuse of water resources and carbon credit schemes.
8. Wildlife Trade: Investigating potential breaches of wildlife and trade laws, including alleged smuggling activities.
9. Financial Compliance: Reviewing allegations related to financial irregularities and money laundering.
10. Other Relevant Issues: Addressing any additional matters connected to the petitions or uncovered during the investigation.
The SIT has been authorised to receive information from a broad range of sources, including petitioners, regulators, officials, intervenors, and journalists. The team may expand its enquiry to any area it considers necessary to present a complete factual report to the Court.
The SIT will receive full cooperation from the Central Zoo Authority, the CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the State of Gujarat, including its Forest and Police Departments.
The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of an impartial and thorough investigation to ensure legal compliance, animal welfare, and public accountability in the operation of Vantara.
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