Delay in clearance of human bodies at Airports- reg. - Customs - F. No. 520/32/2004-Cus.VI

F. No. 520/32/2004-Cus.VI Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue Central Board of Excise Customs New Delhi , 31st July, 2006 To All Chief Commissioner of Customs, All Chief Commissioner of Customs Central Excise, All Chief Commissioner of Central Excise Sir, Subject:- Delay in clearance of human bodies at Airports- reg. Recently, a very unfortunate incident of delay by Customs officials in clearance of human bodies of victims of a boat tragedy, which arrived from Muscat, at Bangalore airport, was reported to the Board by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. 2. It was reported that there was lack of sensitivity on the part of the customs officials in handling the clearance of human bodies and poor coordination amongst customs and airlines, ground handling agents, airport authority. The delay in customs clearance not only caused enormous agony to the family and relative of the deceased who had come to receive the body, it also reflects the insensitive approach of our officers towards such instances of human tragedy. 3. Board therefore desires that officers at airports should be sensitized to adopt a more humane and sensitive attitude towards such instances, where the family already grieving the loss of a family member is not put to further hardships in taking delivery of human remains of the deceased. Adopting sensitivity and allowing immediate clearance pending formalities in such circumstances as well as extending all possible help to the family of the deceased would go a long way in passenger facilitation at airports. Yours faithfully, (M.M. Parthiban) Director (Customs) Tel: 23093908