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 this 112-meter ship, set to arrive before mid-May. This intervention highlights tensions between economic interests in Goa's gambling industry and concerns over river safety and regulatory compliance.

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 introducing one far larger, and inquired about any length limits for permitted ships. Advocate General Devidas Pangam countered that a detailed study preceded the October 2022 no-objection certificate, issued solely for vessel substitution by the Captain of Ports, separate from gambling licensing under the Public Gambling Act.

Petitioners Challenge Licence Absence and Scale Jump

The PIL, filed by citizen group Enough is Enough, argues against allowing the upgrade without fresh approvals, especially since the old vessel operated for gambling and the new one intends the same purpose. Senior advocate S Muralidhar urged the court to halt the ship from Udupi or force its return, citing RTI disclosures showing no public records of required licences. He emphasized that mooring in the Mandovi violates rules, framing the gambling licence as the core unresolved issue.

Casino Firm Defends Permissions and Timely Arrival

Representing Delta Pleasures Cruise Co Pvt Ltd, senior advocate Darius Khambata asserted that 2022 permissions cover the entry, with the PIL filed opportunely as the 112-meter vessel approaches Goa. He clarified no 90-meter length cap exists—up to 120 meters qualify—and the ship will moor aside the navigable channel without obstruction. The firm stressed the need to reach before mid-May, when rough waters would delay it further.

Goa's Offshore Casinos Face Renewed Scrutiny

Goa's floating casinos, anchored in the Mandovi since 1996, form a key revenue stream but spark ongoing debates over environmental impact, public safety, and addiction risks. This case underscores regulatory gaps between port permissions and gambling licences, handled by different departments, potentially enabling such substitutions. With the matter listed for Monday, the court's stance could set precedents for vessel operations in crowded waterways, balancing tourism revenue against navigational and legal safeguards.