August 20, 2022: The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation filed questioning the setting up of a zoo in Jamnagar by the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Society (GZRRC). The GZRRC is supported by Reliance Industries Limited.
The Petition was filed by an activist challenging the setting up of the Zoo. He had also sought a ban on
GZRRC acquiring animals from within India and abroad besides the formation of an SIT to inquire into the operations and management of GZRRC. Transfer of animals to GZRRC from within India and aboard were
questioned in the Petition. Questions were also raised in the PIL on GZRRC’s experience and
capability. After GZRRC submitted its detailed response, the Court heard the matter on 16 August
2022 and dismissed the Petition rejecting all contentions raised against GZRRC.
“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,” Dhanraj Nathwani, Head of Organization, GZRRC reacted.
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. GZRRC clarified before the Court that it would be establishing a Zoological Park
which would be open for public display essentially for educational purpose while the rest of its
facilities would operate as rescue centres for 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 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 welfare of animals and
revenue if any generated would be used by GZRRC only for carrying out rescue work.
The 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 that the
Court was ‘unable to find any legal infirmity’ with GZRRC.
