Bombay High Court Blocks Entry of New Casino Vessel in Goa's Mandovi River
2,000-passenger casino vessel can’t sail into Goa’s Mandovi river just yet, Bombay HC says
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The Bombay High Court has prohibited the entry of the new casino vessel, 'M.V. Deltin Royale', into the Mandovi River in Panaji, Goa, until it obtains necessary certifications and court permission. This decision follows public opposition citing environmental concerns and the vessel's excessive passenger capacity of 2,000, which exceeds the combined capacity of existing vessels.
- 01The Bombay High Court has barred the new casino vessel from entering the Mandovi River without proper certifications.
- 02The new vessel, 'M.V. Deltin Royale', has a capacity of 2,000 passengers, raising ecological and navigational concerns.
- 03Public opposition highlights potential negative impacts on local fishing livelihoods and the river's environment.
- 04The court emphasized that any changes to the vessel's operating license must be approved by the court.
- 05The petitioners argue that the company lacks the required license for gaming operations on the new vessel.
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The Bombay High Court in Goa has issued an interim order preventing the entry of the 'M.V. Deltin Royale', a new casino vessel with a capacity of 2,000 passengers, into the Mandovi River in Panaji. This decision follows a public interest litigation filed by the association 'Enough is Enough' and local activists Sudip Tamankar and Harish Madkaikar, who raised concerns about the vessel's environmental impact and its potential to disrupt local fishing livelihoods. The court noted that the vessel currently lacks a certificate of survey and must obtain all required certifications before it can enter the port. Furthermore, even if these certifications are secured, the vessel cannot sail without prior court approval. The court also acknowledged the government's commitment to consult with the court before permitting any casino operations on the new vessel. The petitioners highlighted that the total capacity of existing offshore vessels in the Mandovi is 1,987 passengers, making the new vessel's capacity particularly concerning. They argued that the company does not possess the necessary license to operate the new vessel for gaming, which further complicates its potential mooring in the river.
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The court's ruling impacts the local community by preventing a large casino vessel that could disrupt fishing livelihoods and harm the Mandovi River's ecology.
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