The Bombay High Court has directed the Goa government to respond by Friday to a public interest litigation challenging the entry of a 2,000-capacity offshore casino vessel into the Mandovi river. The court, hearing arguments on Wednesday, questioned the substitution of a small 70-capacity vessel with this much larger ship, set to arrive before mid-May due to seasonal rough waters. This case highlights tensions between economic interests in Goa's casino industry and concerns over river navigation safety and regulatory compliance.
Court Probes Navigation Risks and Vessel Size Limits
A division bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar raised pointed concerns about the new vessel's ability to maneuver in the Mandovi river during emergencies and whether it would obstruct the channel. The judges noted that replacing a vessel of equivalent size makes sense, but approving one over 20 times larger stretches the definition of substitution. They specifically asked if any cap exists on vessel lengths permitted in the river, underscoring potential hazards to maritime traffic in this busy waterway.
Government and Casino Firm Defend Permissions
Advocate General Devidas Pangam assured the court that a detailed study preceded the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued before October 2022, confirming the vessel's suitability. He clarified the NOC covers only vessel replacement under the Captain of Ports' authority and does not involve gambling licenses, which fall under the home department. Delta Pleasures Cruise Co Pvt Ltd, represented by senior advocate Darius Khambata, added that the 112-meter vessel complies with rules allowing up to 120 meters and will moor alongside the navigable channel without blocking it. Permissions date back to 2022, the firm argued, making the late-filed PIL untimely as the ship travels from Udupi.
Petitioners Challenge Gambling License Gaps
The PIL, filed by citizen's initiative Enough is Enough and argued by senior advocate S Muralidhar, contends the Mandovi prohibits such mooring altogether. Muralidhar emphasized the Public Gambling Act as the core issue: the old vessel operated for gambling, and the replacement seeks the same purpose without a fresh license. RTI queries revealed no public records of required approvals, he said, urging the court to halt the vessel's journey or return it to Udupi. The matter resumes Monday, with the government's reply due Friday.
Broader Stakes for Goa's Offshore Casino Sector
Goa's offshore casinos, anchored in the Mandovi since 1996, form a key revenue stream but face ongoing scrutiny over environmental impact, public safety, and addiction risks. This dispute tests boundaries between port authorities' operational approvals and gambling regulations, potentially setting precedents for future vessel upgrades. A ruling could either affirm streamlined replacements or enforce stricter licensing, affecting an industry that balances tourism dollars against local waterway integrity.