Vantara welcomed a Supreme Court of India order that brings final closure to allegations concerning its wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation activities, affirming their lawful and ethical basis.
A Bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria dismissed an application seeking to reopen issues already exhaustively examined by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Supreme Court. The SIT was led by a former Supreme Court Judge, and included a former High Court Chief Justice, a former Police Commissioner, and a senior Customs officer, supported by enforcement and regulatory agencies.
The Court reviewed animal transfers across multiple countries including the UAE, Venezuela, Brazil, the Czech Republic and South Africa, concluding each was a lawful, non-commercial zoo-to-zoo movement with valid CITES export and import permits, and approvals from the Central Zoo Authority. The Court confirmed that Vantara acted in good faith, and noted that any irregularity by a foreign exporter does not impose liability on the Indian institution that lawfully received the animals.
The judgement recognised that significant global conservation efforts are underway at Jamnagar, highlighting collaboration with Brazil on the reintroduction of endangered macaws and a conservation breeding programme supporting species recovery worldwide.
The Bench stated that disturbing the established, cared-for environment of rescued animals after legal arrival may constitute cruelty, affirming the welfare principles central to Vantara's work. It recognised that a settled and vested right has accrued to Vantara, its trustees, directors, and management, extending protection to its founding bodies, the Reliance Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Directions issued by the Court focus on strengthening India's CITES regulatory framework for the future.
Vivaan Karani, Chief Executive Officer of Vantara, said, “This judgment affirms the truth that has guided us from the very first rescue that every animal in our care arrived lawfully, was treated ethically, and is protected for life. The nation’s highest court has recognised yet again, not only the integrity of our work, but the spirit behind it. At Vantara, conservation is not a claim, it is a daily act of compassion. To every sceptic, our answer remains the same as our promise to every creature we have ever healed — Every Life Matters. We are humbled, we are vindicated, and we are more committed than ever to the animals who depend on us.”
Vantara stated that it remains dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care, maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, transparency, and international conservation collaboration.