The Delhi High Court recently refused to entertain a plea seeking action against Reliance’s mega zoo for organising Anant Ambani’s wedding with Radhika Merchant at Reliance Greens in Gujarat.
Advocate and self-proclaimed animal lover Rahul Narula had approached the High Court seeking directions to the Animal Welfare Board of India to file a complaint as he felt the wedding, scheduled for March, would harm animals in the area. Narula sought directions against Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust and Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
Noting that the plea was filed based on an apprehension, the bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia observed that it can’t be entertained. The court also added that a High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted on the orders of the Tripura High Court to examine complaints about animal organisations can be present at the location to oversee the event and take all precautions to “ensure that no inhumane behaviour is caused to the animals”.
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The counsel appearing for Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust and Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre argued that the petition was based on an unfounded apprehension that the use of animals would be allowed in a private event. It was also added that Reliance Complex is a private property which is not open for public events.
It was stated that a one-time private, personal and non-commercial event is being held for the wedding in various locations in the complex and no provision prohibits the zoo or the trust from inviting guests to view their facilities, especially for non-commercial purposes.
