The Bombay High Court has recently directed the interim stay on bringing the new casino vessel into the Mandovi will continue till the next hearing in August. The HC granted the petitioner, Enough is Enough led by Jusice Rebello, 14 days to file a rejoinder to the affidavit filed by the casino company. Two months ago the HC, considering that the vessel did not possess a certificate of survey, directed that the vessel to not sail into the Mandovi, without obtaining certifications. The HC opined that even if such certificates and requirements for sailing of the vessel into the Panaji port are obtained, the vessel shall not sail into the port without prior permission from the court. The casino operator can still file an application placing on record all permissions and certifications required under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. We are all aware of how these vessels pollute the river and encourage all kinds of seedy activities like prostitution, drug distribution, hawala etc., disturb fish breeding zones, are a nuisance for locals and lead to massive traffic congestion on DB road. The Goa Public Gambling Act 1976 too must be scrapped.
VINAY DWIVEDI, Benaulim
