Team Herald
PANJIM: The State is set to introduce a sixth offshore casino in River Mandovi as the government on Wednesday submitted to the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it has no objection, other than the ongoing election code of conduct, to renew the casino licence of former minister Gopal Kanda-owned Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited.
Advocate General Saresh Lotlikar told the division bench comprising Justices Anoop Mohta and C V Bhadang that “except for the model code of conduct question there is no other objection and as the petitioner (casino company) is otherwise entitled for renewal of the licence in question.”
The company had approached the High Court as the government had failed to renew its licence even after it had paid Rs 48 crore dues and despite additional AG D Lawande on January 9 submitting that the authorities will decide on the application within four weeks.
The court, on hearing the petitioner and the AG directed that the government take a decision within 24 hours as it is not a policy decision and neither an application seeking fresh licence.
Earlier, the State government had sought eight weeks considering the likely time to be taken for a new government to be formed. “The Election Commission of India announced General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Goa on January 4, 2017 and accordingly the operation of Model Code of Conduct came into force till conclusion of the poll on March 15, 2017. In view of this development, it is stated that in effect the time of four weeks which was recorded in the order on January 9, 2017 may be read to commence from March 16, 2017, after Model Code of Conduct is lifted,” the affidavit filed by Home Department said.
The State also cited that considering that the new government formation is likely to take time, it should be granted an extension in time to take a final decision after fair examination/assessment of the various applications filed by the company.
