NEW DELHI. India’s Supreme Court has ordered an independent investigation into Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre run by the philanthropic arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s group and led by his son, Anant Ambani.
The court’s directive came after public interest litigations filed by non-profit and wildlife groups alleged animal mistreatment, irregularities in acquisitions, and regulatory lapses by the Central Zoo Authority. While the court noted there was no evidence to substantiate claims of unlawful practices, it ruled that an independent appraisal was necessary because the petitions questioned the willingness of authorities to act.
“We consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal,” the court said in its order on Monday.
A panel led by a former Supreme Court judge will investigate the acquisition of animals, including elephants, review allegations of creating a vanity or private collection of wildlife, and check compliance with India’s Wild Life Protection Act. The panel is expected to submit its report by September 12.
Vantara, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, houses more than 150,000 animals across 2,000 species and includes a 998-acre elephant welfare trust, described as the world’s largest care facility for rescued elephants. It was also one of the venues for Anant Ambani’s high-profile pre-wedding celebrations last year, attended by international celebrities.
In a statement, a Vantara spokesperson said the centre “remains committed to transparency and legal compliance” and will cooperate fully with the investigation. “Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals,” the spokesperson added.
The Supreme Court’s order follows protests in Maharashtra earlier this month against the relocation of a 36-year-old elephant to Vantara, with local communities citing the animal’s deep cultural and spiritual significance. Reliance has said the transfer complied with a court directive.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who toured Vantara in March, praised the facility for providing “a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare.”
Anant Ambani, also an executive director at Reliance Industries and involved with Jio Platforms, has previously showcased Vantara’s unique facilities, including large kitchens where elephants are served dishes ranging from juices and sweets to popcorn as treats.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
