The Supreme Court is set to resume hearing today, Monday, on a public interest litigation seeking a thorough investigation into the alleged illegal wildlife transfer and illegal confinement of elephants at the Vantara Wildlife Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India will hear a public interest litigation on Monday, September 15, 2025, concerning the illegal confinement of elephants and other serious irregularities at the Vantara Wildlife Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This case has become a subject of widespread discussion due to its implications for wildlife conservation and the adherence to constitutional responsibilities across the nation.
The court had previously ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an inquiry, and its report was submitted on September 12. The court will now review this report to determine the next course of action.
What is the Case?
The public interest litigation alleges that elephants at the Vantara Centre have been illegally confined after being removed from their natural habitats. Furthermore, questions have been raised about violations of the Wildlife Protection Act and the role of regulatory bodies. The petitioners contend that wildlife is being treated inhumanely at this centre, and that it goes against the fundamental objectives of environmental and wildlife conservation. The court, during its preliminary hearing, found the allegations to be serious and deemed a comprehensive investigation necessary.
Formation and Role of the SIT
On August 25, 2025, a bench comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Prasanna B. Varale constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct the inquiry. The objective is to thoroughly investigate the allegations. The SIT will conduct a fact-finding inquiry solely to assist the court, and not to act with any preconceived notions against any statutory authority or Vantara. The key members of the SIT are as follows:
- Retired Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Supreme Court
- Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, Former Chief Justice, High Courts of Uttarakhand and Telangana
- Hemant Nagrale, Former Police Commissioner, Mumbai
- Anish Gupta, Senior IRS Officer
Given the expertise and impartiality of these members, the investigation is considered reliable. The court had directed the SIT to submit its report by September 12, which was submitted in a sealed cover. The report also includes a pen drive containing digital evidence related to the investigation.
What did the Supreme Court say?
During the hearing, the bench clarified that this inquiry is purely for gathering facts to aid the court in making an informed decision. The bench stated, "This exercise will not be construed as casting any doubt on the actions of any statutory authority or the private respondent—Vantara. It is a fact-finding exercise to assist the court."
Along with this, the court has scheduled the next hearing for September 15, 2025, during which the report submitted by the SIT will be examined, and further proceedings will be decided.
