In a scathing verdict against the Customs Department, the Delhi High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the department for unjustly seizing personal jewellery from a woman at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The court directed that the amount be paid to the petitioner, Pooja Seth, and recommended disciplinary action against the officials involved.
The incident dates back to January 20, when Seth, returning from Bangkok with her family, was intercepted by Customs officials at the Delhi airport. Her jewellery, including four stone-studded gold bangles (78 grams), a gold bangle (45 grams), and a gold chain with a pendant (67 grams), totaling 190 grams, was confiscated without justification.
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Seth alleged that she and her son were mistreated by Customs officers, turning what should have been a routine arrival into a traumatic ordeal. She argued that the jewellery was an heirloom gift from her grandmother, presenting old photographs and a copy of her grandmother’s will from 2018 as proof.
The bench, comprising Justices Prathiba Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta, ruled in her favor, stating that the detention of the petitioner’s gold jewellery at the behest of the Customs Department was completely unjustified.
The court ordered the immediate release of the seized jewellery within two working days, without any storage charges.
In a shocking revelation, Seth was also allegedly coerced into signing a statement admitting to violations and waiving her right to a personal hearing. The court took serious note of this, stating that the admissions appeared to have been made under duress. It further suggested disciplinary action against the officials responsible.
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Additionally, the court granted Seth the liberty to file an affidavit detailing the alleged ill-treatment she and her family faced at the airport. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 15.
This ruling is seen as a strong rebuke to arbitrary actions by Customs authorities, reinforcing passenger rights and ensuring accountability among enforcement agencies.