In response to growing legal and ethical concerns, the Supreme Court has instituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) chaired by former Justice Jasti Chelameswar to examine the operations of Vantara, the Reliance Foundation-run animal rescue centre in Gujarat. The panel includes Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, ex-Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts Chief Justice; former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale; and Customs officer Anish Gupta.

The inquiry will cover a sweeping range of potential violations: from how animals—especially elephants—are sourced domestically and internationally, to compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, CITES regulations, and zoo management norms. It will evaluate standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, causes of death, environmental concerns like climate suitability and proximity to industrial zones, and allegations of vanity collections or misuse of biodiversity. Resource usage, possible wildlife trade offences, and financial irregularities including money laundering are also on the agenda.

The SIT is empowered to receive inputs from all stakeholders—petitioners, regulators, journalists—and can expand its scope as needed. It will be supported by institutions such as the Central Zoo Authority, CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of Environment, and local authorities in Gujarat.