The Bombay High Court has directed the Goa government to respond by Friday to a public interest litigation challenging the entry of a massive 2,000-capacity offshore casino vessel 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 vessel 112 meters long. Set for further hearing on Monday, the case highlights tensions between economic interests in Goa's gambling industry and concerns over river safety and licensing.
Court Probes Vessel Size and River Navigation Risks
A division bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar pressed government counsel on whether the large vessel could maneuver in the Mandovi during emergencies or block the channel. They distinguished replacement of a similar-sized vessel from substituting one vastly larger, and inquired about any length limits for permitted boats. Advocate General Devidas Pangam countered that a detailed study preceded the October 2022 no-objection certificate, issued solely for replacement by the Captain of Ports, separate from gambling licenses under the Public Gambling Act.
Petitioners Challenge Licensing and Scale Disparity
The PIL, filed by citizen group Enough is Enough, argues against allowing the upgrade from a 70-person vessel to one holding 2,000 without fresh approvals. Senior advocate S Muralidhar emphasized that the new ship, en route from Udupi, lacks a gambling license and should not enter or moor in the river, which he said is prohibited. Information from RTI queries revealed no public records of required permissions, raising procedural lapses in what petitioners call an "elephant in the room"—the gambling purpose.
Casino Firm Defends Permissions and Timeline Pressures
Representing Delta Pleasures Cruise Co Pvt Ltd, senior advocate Darius Khambata stated permissions date to 2022, with no 90-meter length cap; vessels up to 120 meters qualify, and the 112-meter ship will moor aside without obstructing navigation. The firm noted the vessel must arrive before mid-May due to rough monsoon waters. Pangam added that Inland Vessels Act registration falls under port authority purview, while gambling falls to the home department.
Balancing Goa's Casino Economy and Regulatory Scrutiny
Goa's offshore casinos, anchored in the Mandovi since 1996, generate significant revenue but face ongoing debates over environmental impact, public access to the river, and addiction risks. This case underscores gaps between entry permissions and operational licenses, potentially reshaping how authorities handle vessel upgrades. A government reply by Friday could clarify if the substitution complies with safety standards or invites stricter caps on casino flotillas.
