Panaji, September 4: Enough is Enough (EiE), Goa, has issued a 15-day ultimatum to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, demanding action against what it alleges are illegal gaming activities in the State’s land-based and offshore casinos, failing which the organisation has warned that it will approach the Lokayukta or initiate other appropriate legal proceedings.

In a letter dated September 3 addressed to the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, EiE Chief Convenor Justice (Retd.) Ferdino Rebello and General Secretary Devidas S. Amonkar said the organisation had earlier written to the Chief Minister on July 9, raising questions about casino operations under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976.

The organisation said nearly two months had passed without any communication or action from the Chief Minister’s office and reiterated its demand for immediate intervention.

EiE has based its latest challenge particularly on the issue of tourist permits for entry into casinos.

According to the letter, the organisation had separately written to the Gaming Commissioner on July 8. EiE claimed that it subsequently received a communication dated August 5 stating that the Gaming Commissioner could not take action as rules had not been framed.

The organisation has questioned how tourist permits under Section 13D(e), or permissions contemplated under Section 13D(f) of the Goa Public Gambling Act, could be issued in the absence of such rules.

EiE further contended that under Section 2(8) of the Act, tourists cannot enter casinos without a valid tourist permit issued by the Gaming Commissioner. On this basis, it alleged that gaming activities were continuing in violation of provisions of the law.

The group said it had also brought the matter to the attention of the Inspector General of Police through a letter dated July 8.

Calling upon the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to stop all allegedly illegal casino activities, EiE said enforcing law and order was the responsibility of the government and the Home Minister.

The organisation has now warned that if it receives neither a response from the Chief Minister’s office nor sees action over the alleged violations within 15 days from September 3, it would consider approaching the Lokayukta or initiating appropriate civil or criminal proceedings against persons it alleges are facilitating tourists’ entry into casinos without valid permits.