JUDGMENT - A. P. SHAH, J.:---This group of writ petitions can be conveniently disposed of by a common judgment as they all seek to challenge the Notification No. 2-20-92 dated December 21, 1993 issued under section 13-A of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976 and also the restriction under the said section 13-A that games of electronic amusement/ slot machines can only be installed in Five Star Hotels as being violative of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.

2. The Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976 (for short, "the Act") was amended by the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling (Amendment) Act, 1992 (for short, "the Amendment Act"). The Amendment Act inserted into the Act a new section 13-A, which provides:-

"13-A Authorised Game : (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Government may authorise any game of electronic amusement/ slot machines in Five Star Hotels subject to such conditions, including payment of such recurring and non-recurring fees, as may be prescribed.

(2) The provisions of this Act shall not apply to any game authorised under sub-section (1)."

3. Thus, the Amendment Act permitted the Government to authorise games of elec

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