Legal action is being prepared to challenge the permissions granted for Delta Corp’s new 112-meter-long offshore casino vessel in Goa, amid concerns raised by activists over its scale and potential ecological impact.
According to a report by the Times of India, a team of lawyers working pro bono is drafting a writ petition that will be filed shortly before the Bombay High Court.
Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello said the petition will question the approvals issued for the vessel, which is being brought into the Mandovi River. The official indicated that those involved in the drafting process had identified “very disturbing things” during their review and intend to present them to the court. Petitioners are expected to include residents from Panaji and Reis Magos, along with activists linked to the “Enough is Enough” movement, a Goa-based civic campaign opposing offshore casinos on environmental and carrying capacity grounds. They are likely to seek interim relief once the case is filed.
Rebello also stated that the new offshore casino vessel has the same capacity as the five existing offshore casinos combined. A charter submitted to the Goa state government has called for the removal of casinos within six months, citing environmental and carrying capacity concerns.
India-listed Delta Corp is a gaming, casino, and hospitality company based in Mumbai. It operates casino businesses in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman. In Goa, where land-based live gambling is largely restricted under national law, the state permits casinos to operate on offshore vessels anchored in the Mandovi River.
The company currently operates several licensed offshore vessels in Goa, including Deltin Royale, Deltin JAQK, and Kings Casino.
