Supreme Court Appointed SIT Gives Clean Chit To Vantara - Here's What The Report Said...

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court of India to look into Reliance Foundation-run Vantara has given the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre a“clean chit”, according to a PTI report.

Taking the SIT's report on record, a bench of SC Judges, Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice PB Varale noted that authorities stated Vantara had satisfied compliance requirements and met regulatory measures, it added.

The report was submitted to the apex court on September 12, and read on September 15, as per the report. The SC said a detailed order will be passed today, after the bench goes through the SIT's report.

Vantara is a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, run by the Reliance Foundation.

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• The SC ordered an SIT to be formed on August 25 to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against Vantara .
• The direction came after allegations of non-compliance with laws and acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants.
• The four-member SIT is headed by a former SC judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar.
• The apex cout is hearing two PILs alleging irregularities against Vantara on the basis of reports in the media and social media and diverse complaints from NGOs and wildlife organisations.
• On August 14, the top court described as“completely vague” the plea filed by petitioner CR Jaya Sukin seeking to get a monitoring committee formed to return the captive elephants in Vantara to their owners.

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The SIT submitted its report, including annexures and supporting materials on a pen drive, to the SC in a sealed cover on September 12. The bench acknowledged the same, stating,“It is accepted and directed to be taken on record.”

The report came after three days at Vantara, where the SIT engaged multiple other investigative agencies, including senior officials from multiple state forest departments, to assist in the inquiry, as per a report by ANI.

Senior members of Vantara's leadership team answered lengthy questioning during the visit. Additionally, the SIT directed Vantara to summon its international partners for further scrutiny.

“We acknowledge the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law,” a Vantara official told ANI in a statement.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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