India’s Vantara wins legal battle

India’s Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Reliance Foundation’s Vantara wildlife centre, dismissing allegations of illegal animal acquisition and regulatory breaches.

The bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale accepted the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which worked alongside 16 agencies including the Central Zoo Authority, Customs, and the CITES Management Authority of India. The SIT found no violations of wildlife protection, customs, or money-laundering laws.

No Breach of Global Rules

The controversy began after petitions alleged that Vantara had smuggled exotic animals and bypassed regulatory clearances. These claims have now been rejected.

“Such complaints are an abuse of judicial process,” the court remarked.

For Japan, where wildlife conservation and zoo management standards are closely monitored, the ruling highlights India’s adherence to international norms. The SIT confirmed that Vantara operates in compliance with CITES, the international treaty regulating trade in endangered species.

World-Class Facilities

Located in Gujarat, India, the 3,500-acre centre has invested heavily in veterinary infrastructure, climate-controlled enclosures, and research programmes. Independent certification from the Global Humane Society adds weight to its legitimacy.

The court recommended Vantara deepen collaborations with leading global bodies such as WAZA, EAZA, and AZA, echoing Japan’s own emphasis on international partnerships in conservation.