A group of lawyers working pro bono is preparing a writ petition challenging the permissions granted for a new 112-metre offshore casino operated by Delta Corp, according to remarks by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello. As reported by The Times of India, the petition is expected to be filed before the Bombay High Court in the coming days.
Justice Rebello said the legal team’s review has identified “very disturbing things” that will be presented to the court. The petitioners will comprise residents of Panaji and Reis Magos, alongside activists involved in campaigns opposing offshore casino expansion.
Goa currently licences a limited number of offshore casinos on the Mandovi river, and their long-term presence has been a subject of recurring public debate.
The petition will include a request for interim relief as part of what Rebello described as the first formal step linked to demands outlined in a charter previously submitted to the state government. Among those demands is the removal of existing offshore casinos within six months.
Rebello said the newly deployed vessel entering the Mandovi river has a capacity comparable to all five current offshore casinos combined, raising concerns among local groups about environmental impact and increased activity on the river.
He added that the Enough is Enough movement will continue its agitation “until such time that the sections that are destroying the ecology of Goa are withdrawn”. The group is reportedly holding awareness meetings across Goa’s talukas to broaden public engagement.
Rebello also indicated that campaigners are monitoring the state budget session to see whether funding will be allocated for a study on Goa’s carrying capacity. The findings will inform their next steps as they consider the future course of action.
Petitioners include residents of Panaji and Reis Magos, plus local activists
