If only all cases were settled expeditiously: Cong questions SC over swift clean chit to Vantara

The Congress on Tuesday questioned the speed with which the Supreme Court has given a clean chit to the Reliance-owned Vantara, a zoological rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, after the report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) found no irregularities in its animal acquisitions.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the judicial system, usually known for delays, had moved with “the greatest of speed” in the matter.

“If only all cases are dealt with and settled so expeditiously and categorically — of course without this mysterious ‘sealed cover’ business,” he posted on X.

On August 25, the top court had directed a four-member SIT, led by former Judge J Chelameswar, to probe allegations against Vantara. The panel was given until September 12 to file its findings. The report, submitted in a sealed cover, was accepted by the court on September 15, closing a case that had arisen from a public interest litigation filed on August 7.

The SIT concluded that Vantara’s animal acquisitions were in line with regulatory laws and backed by approvals from the authorities.

A Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale said the panel had carried out a “thorough and extensive investigation” and expressed “no hesitation” in endorsing its conclusions.