The Supreme Court on Monday orally observed that the acquisition of animals at Vantara—the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre run by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat—was found to be within the framework of law and regulatory compliance.

The Court was considering the report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice J. Chelameswar. The SIT had been tasked to inquire into allegations relating to the manner in which animals—particularly elephants—were acquired both from within India and abroad.

A bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice P.B. Varale noted during the hearing that the report had not indicated any foul play. Justice Mithal, while reading from the findings, said:

“Acquisition of animals… carried out in regulatory compliance.”

The bench indicated that it was satisfied with the SIT’s work and would accept its report.

The Court initially suggested that the SIT report could be made part of the judicial record. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Harish Salve—appearing for Vantara—objected to such publication.

They expressed concern that “a certain narrative” was being created in the media and that public disclosure of the report would only fuel speculation. Salve argued that there were also aspects of confidentiality regarding the manner in which the animals were cared for at the facility.

“Large sums of money have been invested, international experts have been involved, and this is a facility of global repute. If everything is put out in the public domain, tomorrow articles will appear in New York Times or Time Magazine twisting the narrative,” Salve told the Court.

The bench, however, clarified that while it accepted the SIT’s conclusions, it would not allow unnecessary controversy to be stirred around the issue. Justice Mithal said orders would be passed in chambers during lunch recess to close the matter.

Court: “Allow Good Things to Happen”

When a counsel attempted to raise a pending interlocutory application concerning the alleged transfer of a temple’s elephant, the Court firmly refused to entertain it.

Justice Mithal observed:

“Now that an independent body has found no foul play, unnecessary allegations should not be made. There are certain things which we should treat as the pride of this country. Why create a hue and cry when something good is being done? If acquisition of an elephant is in accordance with the law, what is the difficulty?”

He further noted that elephants have traditionally been used in temples and cultural events like Dussehra processions in Mysore, and that lawful acquisition for conservation or rehabilitation could not be faulted.

The bench also recorded appreciation for the promptness with which the SIT carried out its work. It suggested that an honorarium be provided to Justice Chelameswar and other members of the Committee.

By accepting the SIT report, the Court effectively put to rest allegations of illegality surrounding Vantara’s animal acquisitions. It emphasized that relevant authorities remain free to act on the recommendations and ensure continued compliance.

The matter now stands closed.

Case Title: C.R. Jaya Sukin vs. Union of India
*Writ Petition (Civil) No. 783/2025 | Diary No. 44109/2025