The Supreme Court of India on September 15, 2025, dismissed allegations of animal smuggling, financial misconduct, and welfare violations against the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Trust, known together as Vantara.
A bench of Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale accepted the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had submitted its report on September 12 after months of inquiry. The judges said the probe was “thorough and extensive,” covering every aspect of the allegations.
The SIT was set up on August 25, 2025, after two public interest petitions accused Vantara of illegal animal acquisition, poor welfare standards, and financial irregularities. The team included former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Court Justice R.S. Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and senior tax officer Anish Gupta.
According to the court, the SIT coordinated with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, CITES Management Authority of India, Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs Department, and state police. It also consulted independent experts.
“The SIT, after thorough investigation in coordination with the above multiple agencies, clearly opined and concluded that there is no violation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009, CZA guidelines, Customs Act, 1962, Foreign Trade (Development & Regulations) Act, 1992, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, or the CITES,” the bench noted in its order.
The court said repeated inquiries over the years had found no wrongdoing, and fresh complaints were “without merit.” It barred any further proceedings based on the same set of allegations.
On the issue of animal imports, the SIT confirmed that every transfer went through multiple layers of statutory approval. “The imports of the animals have been made only after issuance of valid permits,” the report stated. The court observed that once these permits were granted, their validity could not be questioned.
Concerns about animal welfare were also addressed. The SIT reported that Vantara’s facilities not only complied with but in many areas exceeded prescribed standards. Mortality figures matched global zoological averages. The Global Humane Society awarded Vantara its “Global Humane Certified Seal of Approval” after an independent inspection.
“Upon consideration of the entire record, we are more than satisfied that the facilities at Vantara in certain respects exceed the prescribed standards of animal husbandry, veterinary care and welfare as well as the statutory benchmarks,” the judges wrote.
Financial allegations, including misuse of carbon credits and laundering of funds, were also dismissed. The Enforcement Directorate told the SIT there was “no breach” of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The court also appreciated the efforts of the SIT members, awarding honorariums to Justice Chelameswar, Justice Chauhan, and Hemant Nagrale. It recorded “special appreciation” for Anish Gupta, who remains a serving officer and did not accept payment.
The petitions that triggered the inquiry were filed by activist C.R. Jaya Sukin, who argued in person. The court had earlier noted that the allegations were unsupported but allowed an SIT probe due to the seriousness of the claims. With the report now accepted, the bench ordered the closure of all related proceedings.
The ruling means Vantara can continue its projects without further legal uncertainty. The SIT highlighted that its conservation programmes include breeding efforts for cheetahs, clouded leopards, and Asiatic lions, with 17 cheetah births already recorded.
The Supreme Court’s order directs Vantara and concerned authorities to implement recommendations made by the SIT. It also allows Vantara to seek legal remedies against what the court described as “misinformation” in publications.
Justice Mithal and Justice Varale concluded that the cycle of repetitive complaints must end. “To permit the cycle of speculative complaints or petitions to continue despite such authoritative determinations in the past would be wholly unjustified and an abuse of the process,” the bench said.
With the petitions disposed of, the case has been formally closed.
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