Supreme Court mandates strict timelines for bail decisions and judgment delivery in High Courts
The Supreme Court of India has rejected a petition seeking a fresh investigation into the international acquisition and transfer of animals to Vantara, also known as the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The Court noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by retired Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar, had already conducted a thorough inquiry and found no violation of law.
The SIT's investigation covered all aspects of Vantara's operations since its inception, including site inspections, document reviews, and consultations with foreign donor zoos and regulatory authorities from countries like UAE, Venezuela, Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil, Uganda, Peru, and Malaysia.The Supreme Court also observed that complainants, journalists, and environmentalists who raised allegations were heard during the SIT inquiry.
Considering the SIT report, previously accepted by the Court in September 2025 and reaffirmed in March 2026, the Court concluded that there was no need for reopening the case, and no further investigation or prosecution could be directed either domestically or internationally.The petitioners’ claims based on new materials emerging abroad were found to be already addressed by the SIT.The Supreme Court emphasised that the SIT process had been comprehensive, ensuring transparency and thoroughness.
Full reading at The Times of India