The Supreme Court on Monday formed a Special
Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Justice Jasti Chelameswar to conduct a
fact-finding inquiry into the allegations of unlawful acquisition of animals
and their mistreatment in Vantara Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre
in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The Supreme Court directed the SIT to complete its
inquiry and submit a report by September 12. The matter was listed to be heard
next on September 15.
The four-member SIT will also examine and report on
issues such as compliance with wildlife protection laws, international trade
regulations, animal welfare standards and environmental concerns, the apex
court added.
The top court passed its order on a plea filed by
one CR Jaya Sukin, who alleged that animals are being unlawfully acquired and
kept in the Vantara wildlife centre. The plea has alleged that animals,
including elephants, birds and other endangered species, are being smuggled
into Vantara in the name of providing a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
facility.
The apex court was of the view that the allegations
against Vantara are based on "no material of probative worth" and
ordinarily such petitions warrant dismissal at the very outset. Thus, it did
not seek a response from the private respondents, the owners of Vantara, on the
plea.
"Considering the sweep of the allegations made
in the petitions, inviting a counter from the private respondent or any other
party will not serve much purpose", the SC added.
However, it stated that in the light of allegations
made in the plea that statutory authorities or courts are unwilling to fulfil
their mandate, especially without verifying the factual situation, it found it
appropriate to call for an independent factual inquiry to establish any alleged
violation in Vantara.
The order was passed by a bench of Justices Pankaj
Mithal and Prasanna B Varale.