Panaji, May 6, 2026: In a significant development in the ongoing battle over offshore casinos in Goa, the Bombay High Court at Goa has directed that the new Deltin casino vessel shall not sail into the Panjim Port in the River Mandovi without obtaining all mandatory certifications and prior permission of the Court.

The order was passed by the Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit S. Jamsandekar while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by the “Enough is Enough” movement represented by Libia Lobo Sardessai, Uday Bhembre, Sudip Tamhankar and others against the State of Goa and other respondents.

During the hearing, senior advocate Nikhil Sakhardande appearing for Respondent No. 3 informed the Court that, as of today, the vessel does not possess a certificate of survey. Taking note of the statement, the Court observed that the vessel cannot enter the Mandovi River unless all required certifications are obtained.

The Court further ruled that even if the vessel secures the necessary permissions under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 or the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, it still cannot sail into the Panjim Port without prior approval from the High Court.

The Bench also recorded the statement made by the Secretary of the Home Department in an affidavit that if the Goa Government decides to permit casino operations on the new vessel, such a decision would first be placed before the Court before issuing any order in favour of the company.

The Court additionally noted that the existing licence issued to M.V. Royale Flotel for 70 passengers would not be amended in favour of the new vessel M.V. Deltin Royale without first placing the matter before the Court.

Respondent No. 3 has been permitted to place on record all permissions and certifications related to the vessel. The matter will now be heard along with PIL WP No.15/2016 on July 6, 2026.

The case assumes significance amid growing public opposition led by the “Enough is Enough” movement against the entry of a massive new casino vessel into the ecologically sensitive Mandovi River.