NT Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday in a matter challenging the entry of the mega new vessel MV Deltin Royale in the Mandovi river observed that considering that, as of Wednesday, the vessel does not possess a certificate of survey, the court deems it appropriate to direct that the vessel shall not sail into the Panaji port, i.e. in the river, without obtaining all the required
certifications.
The High Court’s division bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit S Jamsandekar said that further, 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 of
the court.
The petition was listed for Wednesday for making a statement regarding the status of the certificate of survey of the vessel concerned in the present petition. The PIL challenges permissions granted for the replacement of the existing 70-seat casino vessel in the Mandovi with a 2,000-
capacity one.
The High Court said, “We have also taken note of the statement made by the Secretary, Department of Home, as recorded in paragraph 23 of the affidavit filed before us today, stating that in the event the Government of Goa decides to permit casino operations in the new vessel which is the Subject matter of the present petition, the Government of Goa would first place such decision before this Court before issuing any order to that effect.”
Taking note of the said statement, the High Court said that it has been assured by the government that the order on the licence issued to MV Royale Flotel, which was for 70 passengers, would not be amended in favour of the new vessel, MV Deltin Royale, without first placing the decision of the government before the court.
“We further record acceptance of the statement made to this effect in paragraph 23 of the affidavit of the Home Department,” the HC said.
“We further deem it appropriate to hear the present petition along with PIL WP No.15/2016, since common issues arise in these petitions. List these petitions on 06/07/2026. In the meantime, if any of the parties wish to file further pleadings or affidavits, the same shall be filed within six weeks from today. Advance copies shall be served on the other side. Rejoinder, if any, shall be filed within two weeks thereafter,” the High Court said.
