Delhi High Court Orders Immediate Release of Detained Gold Ring; Customs Department Faces Criticism

Court slams Customs for unreasonable detention of personal jewellery, awards costs to the petitioner.

In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court has ordered the immediate release of a gold ring belonging to petitioner Sayara, which was seized by the Customs Authorities at IGI Airport, New Delhi. The Court criticized the Customs Department for the unreasonable detention of personal jewellery, especially given the low weight and personal nature of the item.

The case was heard by a Division Bench comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain. Sayara's gold ring, weighing 21 grams, was seized in July 2024 upon her arrival from Dubai. Despite an adjudication order passed in July 2025 directing the release of the ring without any customs duty, fine, or penalty, the order had not been implemented, prompting Sayara to file a writ petition.

The Court emphasized that the gold ring, being personal jewellery of Indian origin, was not liable for confiscation and should be released. It noted the gold ring as a gift from Sayara's brother-in-law and categorized it as a 'personal effect', exempt from customs duty and penalties under the Customs Act, 1962.

The judgment highlighted the Customs Department's inefficiency and wastage of resources in pursuing the matter, stating that the detention itself was misplaced. The Court directed the immediate implementation of the adjudication order and mandated that no warehousing charges be imposed on Sayara. Furthermore, the Court awarded Rs. 5,000 in costs against the Customs Department for the undue delay and inconvenience caused.

The judgment underscores the importance of Customs Authorities exercising discretion and judgment, particularly in cases involving personal effects of low value and personal significance.

Bottom Line:

Customs Authorities cannot detain personal jewellery of Indian origin, such as a gold ring, worn or received as a gift, especially when it is of low weight. Detention in such cases is misplaced and unreasonable.

Statutory provision(s): Customs Act, 1962 Sections 111, 112

Sayara v. Commissioner of Customs, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2821008