Panaji: Following the reversal of Goa
Government's decision not to move away casinos from Mandovi
river, offshore casino operators today withdrew the petitions
contesting against government's earlier order asking them to
shift their base.
The offshore casino managements told Goa bench of
Bombay High Court that they want to withdraw the petitions as
the recent state Cabinet decision had allowed them to stay in
Mandovi river.
Goa government, through a cabinet decision in February
2009, had asked the casino managements to shift to Aguada Bay.
The managements had approached the high court
challenging the state government's resolution.
The Digamber Kamat-led government rolled back its
decision and instead asked off shore casinos to relocate in
the Mandovi river basin near Panaji city.
The lawyers said they have received letter by state
government dated September 20, in which they have informed the
off-shore casino managements that the vessels would be
relocated within Mandovi river.
The presence of off-shore casinos in Mandovi river had
sparked protests from various quarters including Opposition
BJP, which has insisted that the vessels be asked to move in
the sea.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, September 23, 2010, 22:04