The Bombay High Court directed the Goa government to respond by Friday to a public interest litigation challenging a new 2,000-capacity offshore casino vessel's entry into the Mandovi river. The court, hearing arguments on Wednesday, questioned the navigation risks and legality of replacing a small 70-capacity boat with a much larger ship measuring 112 meters. Set for further hearing on Monday, the case highlights tensions between economic interests in Goa's gambling sector and concerns over river safety and licensing.
Court Probes Navigation and Scale Concerns
A division bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar raised pointed questions about the vessel's ability to maneuver in the Mandovi river during emergencies and whether it would obstruct the channel. The judges noted that substituting a tiny vessel with one over 20 times larger stretches the concept of replacement beyond reason. They also inquired about any length limits for vessels permitted in the river, underscoring potential hazards to maritime traffic in a busy waterway central to Panaji's transport and tourism.
Government and Casino Firm Defend Permissions
Advocate General Devidas Pangam assured the court that a detailed study preceded the October 2022 no-objection certificate, which only authorizes vessel replacement, not gambling operations. He clarified that the Captain of Ports handles entry and registration under the Inland Vessels Act, while gambling licenses fall under the home department. Representing Delta Pleasures Cruise Co Pvt Ltd, senior advocate Darius Khambata stated the 112-meter vessel, en route from Udupi, complies with rules allowing up to 120 meters and will moor outside the navigable channel. The firm secured permissions in 2022, he added, dismissing the PIL as a last-minute challenge.
Petitioners Challenge Gambling License Void
Senior advocate S Muralidhar, for citizen group Enough is Enough, argued the vessel's entry violates the Public Gambling Act since no fresh license exists for the larger ship intended for casino use. Petitioners, using Right to Information data, found no public records of required approvals and demanded the vessel halt or return from Udupi. The core issue, Muralidhar emphasized, lies in permitting a gambling operation without proper authorization, questioning how such a ship could depart without clearances.
Goa's Offshore Casinos Face Renewed Scrutiny
Goa's offshore casino fleet, anchored in the Mandovi since the early 1990s, generates significant revenue but draws persistent criticism for social costs like addiction and river pollution. This dispute revives debates over regulation in a state where gambling licenses fuel tourism yet spark public backlash. The court's intervention could set precedents on vessel size caps, environmental impacts, and the separation of navigation permissions from gambling approvals, potentially reshaping the industry's footprint on the river.
