An order from the Delhi High Court has come as a much-needed respite to Indian passengers and foreign tourists. As per the order, the court has instructed officials to stop harassing travellers in the name of ‘customs check’.

The order came during the hearing of over 30 petitions in which passengers had highlighted several instances where customs officials took away their luggage and jewellery without a proper reason. It had become common for those arriving in India to part with their valuables, including the gold jewellery they would be wearing at that given time. The court said that travellers should not be harassed or stopped by customs officials without a reason.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is supposedly working on new rules concerning the issue. In order for changes to reflect in their mode of operations, the customs department has asked the court for more time. The court has, however, told customs officials to strictly abide by the order, and if new rules are not in place by the next hearing, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be ready by May 19. The SOP will be followed till the new rules become active.

Despite the time lapse in the formation of new rules, customs officials cannot intimidate passengers in the intervening period and seize jewellery from them. Those wearing personal jewellery can be assured that they will not be stopped and questioned by customs authorities. – editor@nrifocus.com