New Delhi, May 22, 2025 — The Delhi High Court has dismissed a contempt petition filed by Anant Ambani-led Vantara Project against Himal South Asian. The petition was regarding a report that alleged mistreatment of elephants and their controversial transfer.
The petition was jointly filed by Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Society and Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, both of which are organizations associated with the Reliance-backed Vantara Project. These organizations had alleged that Himal South Asian and its editor did not follow the court order and did not remove the report published in March 2024.
But Justice Anish Dayal clearly said that no court order was ever given to Himal to remove the report, so this contempt petition was dismissed.
Accused of legal pressure on Vantara
This report was written by investigative journalist M. Rajasekhar, in which questions were raised about the way elephants were brought to Vantara and their care. After this, Vantara filed a petition in the court, but Himal’s lawyers called it a SLAPP case (i.e. a case which suppresses the views of the general public).
Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, on behalf of Himal, said, “Under the guise of contempt, Vantara tried to suppress an important report. But the court understood this trick.”
Reaction of Himal South Asian
After the decision, Himal South Asian editor Roman Gautam said that this decision strengthens the freedom of the press. “The Delhi High Court has recognized our right to report things related to public interest. This case was an attempt by a powerful company to silence journalism.”
The decision is being seen as a major victory for media freedom in India, especially at a time when corporate companies are putting pressure on the media that reports on environmental and ethical issues.
