Are off-shore casinos beyond State ambit?

PANJIM, AUG 25
What is holding back the Home Department (HD) from taking action against off-shore casinos that are operating illegally which were asked to shift from their present location to outer anchorage at Aguada Bay about year and half ago.
The Captain of Ports (CoP) has not renewed NOCs granted to off-shore casinos for plying in the Mandovi River and has put the ball in the court of HD.
In a written communiqué to the HD the CoP has made it clear that it is for HD to initiate action against illegal off-shore casinos which is a licensing authority. “Since off-shore casinos are operational only on validity of NOC from the CoP, it is incumbent on HD to act,” says officer from CoP who did not want to be named.
Under Secretary (Home II) Sidhivinayak Naik, was not contactable. Except for casino M V Boe Sorte, NOCs of other five off shore casinos have expired and it means they cannot operate although presently only two casinos are actually into business. Casino, M V Caravella has stopped its operation while others are closed for repairs.
The issue was raked up in the assembly earlier this month when Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar questioned the State Government as to why no action was taken even though there was no court order restraining it.
The casinos operators are before High Court wherein they have challenged the government’s decision asking them to shift from their present location.
By order dated March 12, 2009 the High Court had recorded the statement made by the advocate general to the effect that in the meanwhile no action would be taken pursuant to impugned communication.
However, Parrikar had pointed out that the AG’s statement was valid for a limited period and the government was now free to take action.
Upon which Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had assured the House to “study the issue in totality.” But it seems the government is yet to make any move on this count.