‘Relocating Settled Animals Would Be Cruelty’: SC Upholds Clean Chit to Vantara, Rejects Plea

New Delhi: In a major relief to Reliance Foundation’s animal rescue centre Vantara, the Supreme Court has dismissed allegations against the Gujarat-based facility and upheld its clean chit. The court found no violation of wildlife trade norms and noted that relocating animals already settled in a lawful environment would amount to cruelty.

The apex court dismissed a petition filed by a Mumbai-based NGO named Karunartham Viram, which had alleged violation of international wildlife trade norms governed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by Vantara. The SC upheld the earlier findings of a court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had found no violation of domestic or international law and no irregularity in documentation or import procedures followed by Vantara.

It had earlier been alleged that animals were mistreated at Vantara, with questions also being raised about how the animals ended up at the centre. In September 2025, the Supreme Court had examined a separate public interest litigation (PIL) alleging smuggling and mistreatment of animals at Vantara.

Vantara's Statement After SC Verdict

Vantara issued a statement after the Supreme Court's verdict, stating that the facility operates across a vast natural landscape and ensures that animals who arrives at the center lives a life with dignity.

“Every animal that arrives brings a story often shaped by injury, neglect, abuse, displacement, or survival against the odds, and that journey is transformed through rescue, recovery, and a life lived with dignity. Set across a vast natural landscape in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara functions as a living ecosystem where animal homes mirror natural habitats and support freedom of movement, socialisation, foraging, and other instinctive behaviours essential to wellbeing. Healing begins with advanced medical care in its world-class wildlife hospitals, but continues through restoration, species-specific nutrition, enrichment, and environments that rebuild confidence and reduce stress," the statement read.

About Vantara

Vantara is an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Established by Reliance Industries' philanthropic arm, Reliance Foundation, Vantara is led by Anant Ambani.

Spread across an area of around 3,500 acres, the facility shelters over 150,000 animals representing 2,000+ species.

According to its official website, Vantara locate and secure wildlife impacted by habitat loss, conflict or confinement, conducting every operation with precision and compassion. As per the website, teams at Vantara are engaged in minimising stress, providing immediate veterinary support, and ensuring a safe, stabilised transition into structured recovery.

Reliance Foundation Founder Nita Ambani calls Vantara a place where the wounded find care, the voiceless are heard, and nature flourishes in harmony with humanity.

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