The court further ruled that if the Goa government proposes to permit casino operations for the new vessel, it must place its decision before the court prior to issuing any order. It also made clear that any amendment to an existing licence “ to shift from the 70-passenger capacity MV Royale Floatel to the new vessel “ cannot be effected without prior leave of the court. The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 6 at 2.30 pm.
During the hearing, Advocate General Devidas Pangam submitted that the vessel was fit for sailing and carrying on trade. The Bench, however, questioned the claim, noting that the operators themselves had brought the vessel as “dead cargo”. “Captain of Ports is defending this?” the court asked.
When Pangam said the assessment was based on a report, the bench pressed further, “Have you obtained the certificate?” while pointing out that the certificate of survey had not yet been issued.
Pangam responded that the government would consider whether to grant the certificate and that the court could pass appropriate directions. He also relied on a report by a Central-registered society about a vessel constructed in accordance with rules and sea trials completed. “I have nothing to say if restraints are imposed by this Court,” he added.
Petitioner ‘Enough is Enough’ informed the court that the licence of the existing casino vessel is due to expire in July. Counsel for the casino operator, meanwhile, assured the bench that the new offshore vessel would not be brought into the Mandovi until the next hearing. The respondent company stated that the vessel is currently berthed at Mormugao Port.
Earlier in the day, the 112-metre Deltin casino vessel arrived in Goa and was docked at Berth No. 4 of the Mormugao Port Authority. It is expected to remain there for about a month for repairs, documentation and sea clearance procedures. The vessel, with a capacity of around 2000 passengers, will eventually replace Deltin’s Kings Casino operating in the Mandovi.
According to the shipping agent, certification and sea trials are expected to be completed within a month.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “I will make it clear once again that we will not bring a new casino,” referring to the mega casino vessel at Mormugao Port.
