2018 (2) TMI 2120 - HC - Customs

Seizure of jewellery gold bangles and one gold chain at airport - petitioner had not declared the quantum of jewellery borne on her person - petitioner is a Myanmar national and landed in India at Trichy airport - Petitioner now seeks only provisional release of the seized items - HELD THAT - In the present case, the petitioner can be permitted to take back being seized goods on deposit of a sum of Rs.3,00,000/- through her power agent who undertakes to deposit the said sum with the third respondent. On such deposit being made, the seized items shall be returned to the power agent. It is made clear that the adjudication proceedings shall go on and the petitioner shall extend the fullest co-operation for expeditious conclusion of the said proceedings. It is further made clear that the power agent is entitled to handed over such returned jewellery to the principal, namely, the petitioner herein by taking it back.

Summary

The petitioner, a Myanmar national, landed in India and had gold jewellery seized for not declaring it. The court allowed provisional release of the seized items upon depositing Rs.3,00,000. Adjudication proceedings will continue, and the petitioner must cooperate. The writ petition was allowed with no costs.