SC dismisses PIL questioning establishment of zoo by GZRRC in Jamnagar

Press Release, Aug 21, 2022, 6:06 PM IST

New Delhi: Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed questioning the establishment of a zoo and acquisition of animals by the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Society (GZRRC), which is supported by Reliance Industries Limited, in Jamnagar in Gujarat.

The petition was filed by an activist in the apex court challenging the setting up of the Zoo. The petitioner sought a ban on GZRRC acquiring animals from within India and abroad as also an SIT to inquire into the operations and management of GZRRC. The petition also questioned the transfer of animals to GZRRC from within India and aboard,  and about GZRRC’s experience and capability in managing the zoo.

After GZRRC submitted its detailed response, the court heard the matter on August 16 and dismissed the petition rejecting all contentions raised against GZRRC.

In its detailed submission, GZRRC had clarified before the Court that it would be establishing a Zoological Park which would be open for public display essentially for educational purposes, while the rest of its facilities would operate as rescue centers for the welfare of animals in need of rescue, not just from India but all over the world, with the objective of welfare of animals, rescue and rehabilitation and conservation.

The Court noted GZRRC’s submissions about its infrastructure, functioning, the vets, curators, biologists, zoologists and other experts engaged by it and that it was carrying out its activities strictly in terms of law.

The Court recorded its satisfaction at the response filed by GZRRC and observed it was satisfied that the permission granted to GZRRC for operations and transfer of animals to it and its consequential activities are legal and authorized. It was further observed that while allegations against GZRRC were loosely based on news reports, for the Court there “appears no infirmity” on part of the authorities granting permissions and approvals to GZRRC.

The Court also noted with approval GZRRC’s submission that it is a non-profit organization with the main objective of the welfare of animals and revenue if any generated would be used by GZRRC only for carrying out rescue work.

Further, the Supreme Court said that it did not find ‘any logic or basis’ concerning the allegations made against GZRRC. The Court also said that there is ‘hardly any scope’ to dispute GZRRC’s functioning and further the Court was ‘unable to find any legal infirmity’ with GZRRC.

In a media release, the Head of GZRRC, Mr. Dhanraj Nathwani welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court in the case. “We at GZRRC are humbled by the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. We will continue with our work for animal welfare. GZRRC is committed to the welfare, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of animals as well as to provide world-class rehabilitation care to animals which need to be rescued from difficult conditions,” he said.