Panaji: M/s Delta Pleasures Cruise Company Pvt Ltd on Monday informed the Bombay high court that its new casino vessel, which has a capacity of 2,000 passengers, will not be able to enter the Mandovi river before the monsoons. Senior counsel Darius Khambata, representing the casino company, stated that due to certain developments where some permissions have been withdrawn, the company must undertake further compliance measures, thereby delaying the vessel's movement into the Mandovi until after the monsoon season. He further informed the court that a temporary berth has been arranged at the Mormugao port.
Background of the Case
The Bombay high court is currently hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by citizens' association Enough is Enough and others. The PIL challenges the permissions granted to the company to replace its existing 70-passenger casino vessel with a new 2,000-capacity casino vessel in the Mandovi river. The petitioners have raised concerns regarding the environmental and navigational impact of such a large vessel in the river.
Court Proceedings and Observations
At the last hearing held last week, the high court observed that the certificate of survey of the vessel, which certifies its seaworthiness and fitness to ply, as well as its registration under either the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, or the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, had not been placed on record. Consequently, the court directed the company to submit these documents under affidavit. Additionally, the court directed the state government to respond to the petition on affidavit.
During the previous hearing last month, the casino company had informed the court that the new vessel was already en route to Goa and needed to arrive before mid-May, after which the waters would become too rough for navigation. The state government had argued that the PIL was filed on the eve of the monsoons, precisely when the vessel was scheduled to enter the Mandovi.
Next Hearing
The Bombay high court is scheduled to hear the PIL on Wednesday. The court will consider the submissions made by the casino company, the state government, and the petitioners before reaching a decision on the matter.
