M/S. Delta Engineers vs State Of Goa & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Goa Ports (Amendment) Rules, 1992 and 1994, affirming that the Port Authorities are entitled to levy rental charges for the use of riverine land as defined under Rule 64 of the Goa, Daman and Diu Port Rules, 1983. The Court clarified that the term 'open land' encompasses riverine areas, and thus, the appellant's claim of non-liability for rental charges was dismissed. The Court also rejected the appellant's challenge to the amendments as ultra vires the Indian Ports Act, 1908, leading to the dismissal of the writ petition.