Have you ever been stopped by customs officials at the airport because of the gold jewellery you were wearing? Has your old jewellery been taken away by customs when you returned to India? If yes, then there is good news for you. The Delhi High Court has directed the customs department not to seize old or personal jewellery from passengers arriving in India. The court also said that travellers should not be harassed. This order came after several complaints of jewellery being confiscated and passengers being troubled during travel.
Delhi High Court Gives Instructions to Customs Officials
A bench of Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta has clearly instructed customs officials not to misbehave with Indian passengers or foreign tourists. This direction was given after the Customs Department informed the court that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is still working on updating the rules and needs more time.
Why Was This Case Filed?
This decision was taken during the hearing of over 30 petitions. In these cases, passengers had complained that customs officials were seizing their luggage and jewellery without proper reasons. They also mentioned being harassed by the officials.
Court: “Don’t Stop Passengers Without Reason”
The court told the customs officials to strictly follow the order. It said that if new rules are not ready by the next hearing, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) must be prepared by May 19. This SOP will be followed until the new rules are made.
What Are the New Rules?
The Customs Department said that CBIC is holding discussions with stakeholders to create new rules. But the court clearly stated that until new rules are made, officials cannot seize jewellery that passengers are wearing or using personally.
Big Relief for Passengers
This court order gives big relief to passengers, especially those coming from abroad wearing their personal jewellery. Now, they will not be stopped or questioned without reason. If the rules are not changed by May 19, temporary guidelines will be made to protect passengers from unnecessary trouble.