Goa, April 22 -- The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the state government and other respondents to file affidavits by Friday in a public‑interest litigation (PIL) challenging permission to bring a large casino vessel into the Mandovi River. The petition, filed by the citizens' group "Enough Is Enough," argues that replacing an existing 70‑person‑capacity vessel with one designed for about 2,000 people violates the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act and flouts existing safety and regulatory norms.

Activists say the move will increase congestion, heighten navigational risks on the river, and undermine the statutory cap on passenger numbers. The court has taken note of the concerns and will hear the matter aga...