Delhi High Court Directs Customs Not to Detain Personal Jewellery at Airports; Seeks SOP by May 19

​The Delhi High Court, hearing over 30 petitions, directed Customs officials to avoid unnecessary detention of old or personal jewellery worn by travelers at airports. 

Petitioners alleged harassment due to outdated Baggage Rules, 2016, which don't reflect current gold prices. 

The bench emphasized the need to amend the outdated Baggage Rules, 2016. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has been granted additional time for these revisions.

Meanwhile, the court has mandated a sensitization initiative for Customs officials and instructed the submission of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by May 19, 2025, to ensure travelers are not subjected to undue inconvenience.