10 points that that prompted top court to order SIT on Reliance Foundation-run Vantara

The Supreme Court’s decision to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) against Vantara, a Reliance Foundation firm, has been prompted by multiple serious and wide-ranging concerns raised in the writ petitions. Wholly owned and funded by Reliance Industries, Reliance Foundation is the philanthropic and social development arm of the group. These points have been highlighted despite the petitions lacking probative material, with the top court noting the need for unbiased and thorough fact-finding in the “ends of justice", without casting aspersions on statutory authorities or Vantara itself.

Here's a summary of 10 key issues flagged by the apex court, as per its order dated August 25. 

• Alleged unlawful acquisition of animals: Accusations of animals being acquired from India and abroad, particularly elephants, possibly violating applicable laws. 
• Non-compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act: Concerns about adherence to statutory provisions governing zoos and animal acquisition under the Wildlife Protection Act.
• Violations of CITES and import/export laws: Suspected non-compliance with international conventions on trade in endangered species, including corresponding import-export requirements for live animals.
• Animal welfare and veterinary care standards: Questions over the maintenance of required standards for husbandry, veterinary care, welfare and mortality rates among animals.
• Environmental and locational issues: Complaints regarding the zoo’s climatic conditions  and its proximity to an industrial zone, which may be detrimental to animal health.
• Vanity collection or misuse of biodiversity: Allegations that animals were being acquired for a private/vanity collection, along with questionable breeding and conservation practices.
• Resource and carbon credit utilisation: Claims relating to misuse of water and the handling of carbon credits connected to the centre’s operations.
• Suspected wildlife smuggling/illegal trade: Reports of violations concerning legal provisions, trade in animals and animal articles, and possible involvement in wildlife smuggling.
• Financial irregularities and money laundering: Alleged financial wrongdoing, including breach of financial compliance and issues of money laundering linked to the centre’s activities.
• Other complaints: Petitioners cited widespread allegations from media reports, NGOs, wildlife organisations, and referenced complaints on various possible breaches deserving comprehensive investigation.