With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome SIT findings: Vantara on Supreme Court verdict

The apex court on Monday perused the report, which the SIT submitted on September 12, and said it would pass a detailed order once it had examined the report.

Based on the findings of its Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Supreme Court on Monday held that Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, had not flouted any law. Vantara has welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict affirming its animal welfare mission, calling the judgment a validation of truth and compassion.

"With utmost humility and gratitude, we welcome the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The SIT's report and the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order have made it clear that the doubts and allegations raised against Vantara’s animal welfare mission were without any basis," Vantara said in a statement.

It added that the affirmation by the SIT and the Apex Court “is not just a relief for everyone at Vantara but also a blessing, because it allows our work to speak for itself.”

Reiterating its commitment, the organisation said: “The SIT’s findings and the Apex Court’s order give us further strength and encouragement to continue serving with humility and devotion to those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Vantara underlined its philosophy of compassion, stating: “Every animal we rescue, every bird we heal, every life we save is a reminder that their well-being is not separate from our own — it is an inseparable part of the well-being of all humanity. When we care for animals, we are also caring for the soul of humanity.”

Pledging support to authorities, Vantara said it would continue collaborating with governments and stakeholders: “Let’s together make Mother Earth a better place for all living beings.”

The Supreme Court noted that a special investigation team (SIT) it appointed to look into its affairs has given a clean chit to the zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre. A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale took the SIT's report on record and observed the probe team's satisfaction on the compliance and regulatory measures in Jamnagar-based wildlife centre.

The SC had formed the SIT, headed by a former apex court judge Justice J Chelameswar, on August 25 to look into the allegations of non-compliance with laws and acquisition of animals from India and abroad. The SC noted on Monday said that the authorities had expressed satisfaction on compliance and regulatory measures at Vantara.