The Supreme Court ordered an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the affairs of Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre of Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

• A 4-member SIT will be formed under the chairmanship of former SC Justice J. Chelameswar and has been directed to submit its report by September 12.

Mandate of the SIT

• Animal Acquisition: Examine acquisition of animals (within India & abroad), especially elephants.
• Legal Compliance: Check adherence to Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, zoo rules, and CITES provisions.
• Import/Export Regulations: Review laws and statutory requirements related to trade in live animals.
• Animal Welfare: Assess animal husbandry, veterinary care, welfare standards, mortalities, and their causes.
• Physical Verification: Conduct physical verification and inspection of Vantara.
• Fact-Finding Role: Function as a fact-finding inquiry to assist the Court, without expressing views on allegations.

Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

• Overview: Provides a legal framework for Protection of wild animals and plants, Management of habitats, Regulation and control of trade in wildlife and their products.
• Schedules under the Act:
• • Schedule I: Species with the highest level of protection
  • Schedule II: Species with a lesser degree of protection
  • Schedule III: Protected plant species
  • Schedule IV: Scheduled specimens under CITES
• Status of Elephants: Indian Subspecies are listed under Schedule 1

Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024

• Background: Until 2022, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibited trade in wildlife, including both wild and captive elephants.
  • The 2022 amendment exempted captive elephants, leading to the framing of these rules.
• Circumstances for Transfer: Transfer of captive elephants is permitted when:
  • The owner is unable to ensure proper care and welfare of the elephant.
  • The elephant is expected to receive better upkeep under new circumstances.
  • The Chief Wildlife Warden deems transfer necessary for the elephant’s welfare.

About CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

• About: An international treaty between governments aimed at ensuring that global trade in wild animals and plants does not endanger their survival.
• Adoption: Drafted in 1963 (IUCN resolution) and came into force on 1 July 1975.
• Legal Status: CITES is legally binding on the Parties but does not replace national laws. Each Party must adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.
• Appendices: The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices according to the degree of protection they need
  • Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; 
  • Appendix II: Species not immediately threatened but require regulated trade to prevent unsustainable use.
  • Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country, which seeks cooperation from other Parties to control trade.

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

• Establishment: A statutory body set up in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• Founder: Initiated under the leadership of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, noted humanitarian and animal rights advocate.
• Mandate: 
• • Promote animal welfare across the country.
  • Protect animals from unnecessary pain and suffering.
  • Advise the government on rules and policies relating to animal welfare.
  • Ensure proper implementation of animal welfare laws.

Additional Reading: CITES

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