SC-appointed SIT clears Reliance’s wildlife rescue centre, Vantara

A bench comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale termed the inquiry “detailed and sufficient,” ruling out any scope for further adjudication or reopening of the case.

In a major relief to Reliance Foundation—the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Ltd—the Supreme Court on Monday cleared its wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation centre, Vantara, of all alleged violations after examining a sealed-cover report submitted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale held that the inquiry was “detailed and sufficient,” leaving no basis for further adjudication or reopening the case.

The judges noted that the SIT had engaged with all stakeholders, gathered expert opinions, and thoroughly examined every aspect of the case.

Quoting the SIT’s findings, the bench said that the acquisition of animals by Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Vantara) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, was carried out in full compliance with regulations.

The final order recorded that the SIT dismissed all allegations against Vantara, terming them baseless publicity stunts and a misuse of institutional time and resources

These complaints are nothing more than a waste of institutional time and resources—mere attempts to gain ‘15 minutes of fame’. The SIT, therefore, rejects them in their entirety..