A major expansion of Goa’s offshore casino industry has been put on hold after the Bombay High Court barred a new floating casino vessel from entering the Mandovi River without prior court approval.
The ruling prevents Delta Corp’s new 112-metre-long MV Deltin Royale from operating in Panaji Port until it secures all mandatory certifications and receives explicit permission from the court. The order was issued on 6 May by the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court.
The vessel was intended to replace the smaller MV Royale Flotel, which currently operates with a capacity of around 70 guests. The new ship, however, can reportedly accommodate up to 2,000 passengers and spans seven decks, making it significantly larger than existing casino boats on the river.
The legal challenge was brought through a public interest litigation filed by local activists and the group “Enough is Enough,” along with petitioners Sudip Tamankar and Harish Madkaikar. They argued that Goa’s gambling regulations do not permit the direct replacement of a small casino vessel with a much larger one under the same licence arrangement.
Opponents of the project also raised environmental and navigational concerns. Residents and campaigners claimed the large vessel could affect the ecology of the Mandovi River, disrupt fishing activity and worsen congestion near Panaji. Some activists warned the ship’s size could create bottlenecks at existing mooring points.
During court proceedings, Delta Pleasure Cruise Company Pvt Ltd reportedly informed judges that the vessel would remain berthed at Mormugao Port and would not enter the Mandovi before the monsoon season. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July.
Goa remains one of the few regions in India where offshore casinos are legally permitted, with several floating casinos already operating along the Mandovi River.