Jewellery Seized at Delhi Airport
Passenger’s Jewellery Seizure at Delhi Airport has drawn attention after a woman returning from Thailand faced a terrible situation at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Customs officials seized her jewellery, which she claimed was personal. This incident occurred on August 6, 2025, as she was coming back from a family wedding.
The woman was stopped while going through the green channel. This channel is for passengers who have nothing to declare. Customs officials decided to check her bags. They found four gemstone-studded gold bangles, a gold pendant, a gold chain, and another gold bangle.
Her Explanation
The woman explained that she was not carrying any newly bought items. She insisted that all the jewellery was for the wedding ceremony in Thailand. Unfortunately, her requests to let her keep her personal belongings were ignored. The officials also reportedly pressured her to sign statements that she did not agree with. This left her and her family feeling upset and confused.
Legal Battle for Justice
To seek justice, the woman took her case to the High Court. The court ruled in her favour. They ordered Customs to pay a fine of ₹25,000. The court also directed action against the officials who mistreated her. This ruling is part of an ongoing trend where courts are protecting consumer rights. More courts are ruling in favour of individuals against unfair actions by government authorities.
Understanding Personal Jewellery Rules
This situation raised many questions about the rules regarding personal jewellery for travellers. A senior customs officer explained what passengers need to know:
- Passengers can wear personal jewellery while travelling abroad.
- Before leaving India, they must declare their jewellery at the customs office.
- This declaration involves filling out a form that lists the jewellery items.
- Customs will verify this information and give a certified copy to the passenger.
Returning to India
When returning to India, passengers must use the red channel, not the green channel. Here is what to do:
- Declare the jewellery again using the form received earlier.
- Show the customs officer that the jewellery was taken abroad for personal use.
Following this process helps avoid problems. This system is in place to make sure everything is clear. For instance, there have been cases where passengers wore fake jewellery but returned with real gold or diamonds. Such situations lead to more checks on personal items.
Importance of the Wedding Industry
Punjab has a rich wedding culture. The wedding industry here is worth about ₹2,500 crores every year! This shows how much the people value weddings and how often they travel abroad for these celebrations.
Conclusion
The case of the passenger’s jewellery seizure at Delhi Airport serves as a strong reminder of the importance of understanding one’s rights while travelling. Knowing the rules can help prevent unnecessary issues at customs. Passengers should stay informed and always follow the proper customs process to protect their belongings and avoid such stressful situations.
