Panaji: The Enough Is Enough (EiE) Goa movement has written to the Chief Minister, the Gaming Commissioner, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), urging immediate enforcement of the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, and action against what it alleges are continuing illegal casino operations in the state.
In separate representations submitted on Tuesday, EiE Convenor Retired Justice Ferdino I. Rebello called upon the authorities to fulfil their statutory responsibilities under the Act and initiate criminal proceedings wherever violations are found.
According to the movement, Section 13B of the Goa Public Gambling Act mandates that casino vessels conduct gaming activities only within the territorial waters prescribed under the law. EiE has alleged that gaming activities continue to take place on casino vessels operating in the River Mandovi in violation of the statutory provisions that came into force on February 1, 2020.
The organisation has also alleged that Section 13A permits casinos in five-star hotels to operate only electronic amusement games or slot machines. However, EiE contends that other forms of gaming are allegedly being conducted at such establishments, which, if proven, would be contrary to the provisions of the Act.
In its representation to the Gaming Commissioner, the movement highlighted the Commissioner's statutory responsibilities under Section 13D, which include inspecting casinos, regulating gaming activities, exercising control over authorised gaming areas, and issuing permits to eligible tourists entering casinos. EiE questioned how casino patrons are being allowed entry if the mandatory permit mechanism has not been implemented.
The movement further argued that the absence of rules under certain provisions of the Act cannot be used as a reason to delay enforcement of other provisions that are already in force.
In its letter to the Inspector General of Police, EiE sought registration of criminal cases wherever violations of the Goa Public Gambling Act are detected. It also requested all police inspectors to exercise their powers within their respective jurisdictions to investigate and take action against any illegal gaming activities.
Addressing the Chief Minister, EiE stated that, as Home Minister, he has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure enforcement of the Goa Public Gambling Act. The movement urged him to direct all concerned authorities to immediately stop any illegal casino operations and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
EiE has also demanded appropriate action against the Gaming Commissioner for the alleged failure to discharge statutory duties under Section 13D of the Act.
Along with the representations, the movement submitted a detailed note raising legal and factual questions concerning casino operations in Goa for consideration by the authorities.
Retired Justice Ferdino I. Rebello said the issue was about upholding the rule of law rather than ideology.
"If laws enacted by the Legislature are not implemented, public confidence in governance and the justice delivery system is seriously undermined. Our demand is simple: enforce the law equally and without fear or favour," he said.
Reiterating its stand, Enough Is Enough said its campaign seeks only the faithful implementation of existing laws and urged the government to respond through lawful enforcement rather than continued inaction.
