Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: THE Supreme Court on August 25 ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the chairmanship of retired apex court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar to probe the alleged illegal wildlife transfers, the unlawful captivity of elephants and other allegations against the Vantara wildlife facility in Gujarat’s Jamnagar.
A Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale was dealing with two public interest litigations (PILs) that levelled wide-ranging accusations, not only against Vantara but also casting aspersions on statutory authorities and even courts. Ordinarily, such pleas “warrant dismissal in limine”, observed the Justice Mithal-led Bench.
However, noting allegations that statutory authorities and even courts were unwilling or incapable of discharging their mandate — particularly in the absence of verified facts — the apex court said it was appropriate “in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal which may establish the violation, as alleged, if any.”
Apart from retired Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, the SIT comprises former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and senior IRS officer Anish Gupta as members.
As per the top court’s order, the SIT has been tasked to examine issues including acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly elephants; compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) obligations; standards of veterinary care and animal welfare; allegations of creating a vanity or private collection; misuse of water or carbon credits; and allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering.
The Justice Mithal-led Bench clarified that the exercise is “only to assist the court as a fact-finding inquiry” and “shall not be construed to have cast any doubt on the functioning of any statutory authorities or the private respondent-Vantara.” Vantara has pledged “full compliance with law”. “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,” Vantara said in a statement.
