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Supreme Court accepted SIT findings; Justice Krishna Murari joins oversight council
In a significant move to institutionalize governance and transparency in private animal conservation, former Supreme Court Judge Justice Krishna Murari has been appointed as a key voting member of the newly constituted of , the sprawling animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, launched by and . The appointment comes on the heels of the accepting the findings of a court-appointed that examined ’s animal acquisitions, imports, welfare practices, and overall operations. The SIT found no violation of applicable wildlife, customs, foreign trade, financial, or other laws.
Justice Murari, who served on the Supreme Court from until his retirement in , will bring his extensive constitutional and judicial experience to the council. His role includes overseeing ’s conservation, rescue, and compliance work, as well as its governance and future direction. The council is also empowered to have the final say on any future applications to import wild animals, subject to a that prohibits such applications before . After that date, any import application will require prior written approval from the Governing Council following a rigorous internal process.
New Era for :
The formation of the marks a critical step in ’s broader initiative to elevate its operational transparency and align its conservation protocols with international standards. The council is chaired by John E. Scanlon AO, former Secretary-General of the , an international treaty regulating wildlife trade. Scanlon’s leadership ensures that the council’s oversight aligns with global best practices.
Besides Justice Murari and Scanlon, the five-member council includes Craig Hoover, an executive from the ; former Karnataka Chief Wildlife Warden Subhash K. Malkhede; conservation expert Greta F. Iori; and wildlife veterinarian and elephant specialist Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, who serves as an . This blend of , international wildlife governance, zoo management, veterinary science, and local regulatory experience creates a multi-disciplinary oversight body capable of addressing complex welfare, legal, and ethical issues.
A Council of Global Experts
The composition of the council reflects a deliberate strategy to import top-tier expertise into India’s private conservation sector. John Scanlon’s tenure at CITES gave him unparalleled insight into the legal frameworks governing international wildlife trade. Craig Hoover brings decades of experience from the , which sets accreditation standards for zoos worldwide. Subhash Malkhede’s work as Chief Wildlife Warden in Karnataka gives him ground-level understanding of Indian wildlife protection laws. Greta Iori has worked extensively on wildlife crime and trafficking issues, and Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma is a renowned expert in elephant care and veterinary medicine.
Justice Murari’s presence is particularly noteworthy because it injects direct into a private entity’s governance structure. His role is not merely advisory; he has voting power on matters such as import applications, compliance reviews, and strategic direction. This ensures that legal and constitutional considerations remain paramount in all decisions.
Supreme Court Seal of Approval
The Supreme Court’s acceptance of the SIT findings in September last year effectively cleared of any major legal violations. The SIT was constituted by the court itself to look into allegations concerning ’s animal acquisitions and welfare practices. The team’s thorough investigation covered multiple areas: wildlife laws, customs regulations, foreign trade rules, and financial compliance. Its conclusion that no violations had occurred provided a strong endorsement of ’s operations.
However, the court’s acceptance also came with implicit expectations of ongoing compliance and transparency. The formation of the can be seen as a proactive response to those expectations, ensuring that the entity does not rest on its laurels but instead invests in robust oversight mechanisms. The council’s authority over import applications and its mandate to enforce protocols demonstrate ’s commitment to staying within legal boundaries and beyond.
Justice Murari’s Judicial Legacy
Justice Krishna Murari’s legal career spans over four decades. He enrolled as an advocate in after studying law at Allahabad University. He served as an additional judge of the from , became a permanent judge in , and was elevated as Chief Justice of the in . He was elevated to the in and retired in .
During his tenure on the apex court, Justice Murari authored several significant judgments touching upon , , and environmental issues. His knowledge of the judicial process and his ability to scrutinize complex compliance frameworks make him an ideal choice for a council that aims to set a benchmark for private conservation governance.
Strengthening Compliance and Transparency
’s governance reforms, of which this council is a central part, aim to address concerns that have historically dogged private animal sanctuaries in India. Critics have often questioned the provenance of animals, the adequacy of welfare measures, and the transparency of financial dealings. By placing a retired Supreme Court judge at the heart of its governance, sends a clear signal that it is willing to submit to the highest standards of accountability.
The council’s powers are not limited to imports. It will oversee rescue operations, welfare protocols, and compliance with all applicable laws. The on import applications until 2027 gives the council time to establish robust internal processes. After the , any import will require a rigorous vetting process, minimizing the risk of illegal or unethical acquisitions.
Implications for Private Conservation Initiatives
The establishment of an independent governance council with could set a precedent for other private conservation and animal welfare organisations in India. Currently, there is no statutory requirement for such bodies to have independent councils with voting members from outside the organisation. ’s voluntary move may encourage other entities to follow suit, particularly if they wish to gain public trust and avoid .
From a legal perspective, the involvement of a former Supreme Court judge in such a council creates a mechanism that can resolve disputes internally and provide authoritative guidance on legal compliance. This could reduce the burden on courts and regulatory bodies, as many issues might be addressed at the council level.
Conclusion
The appointment of Justice Krishna Murari to ’s , combined with the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the SIT findings, marks a watershed moment for private animal conservation in India. The multi-expert council, led by a former CITES secretary-general, ensures that operates at the intersection of legal integrity, scientific expertise, and global standards. By institutionalising top-tier oversight, sets a benchmark for transparency and compliance that could reshape the landscape of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation across the country. For the legal community, this development underscores the growing importance of governance frameworks in environmental and practice.
