“Resources Completely Wasted Away”: Delhi High Court Fines Customs For Delaying Release Of Seized Goods Despite Order
The Delhi High Court has criticised the Customs Department for wasting public resources by withholding seized goods despite an adjudication order already having directed its unconditional release, eventually leading to avoidable litigation.A Division Bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain observed,“The present is a case which shows how the resources of the Customs Department...
The Delhi High Court has criticised the Customs Department for wasting public resources by withholding seized goods despite an adjudication order already having directed its unconditional release, eventually leading to avoidable litigation.
A Division Bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain observed,
“The present is a case which shows how the resources of the Customs Department are completely being wasted away in such matters.”
The Court was dealing with a petition moved by a traveller whose 21 grams gold ring, allegedly a gift from her brother-in-law, was seized by the Customs Department on her return from Dubai.
Petitioner submitted that the detention took place on 14th July, 2024 and the adjudication order directing release was passed on 21st July, 2025. However, till date, the same had not been given effect to.
The Customs alleged that the petitioner had falsely stated on oath that the Department had filed an appeal against the adjudication order dated July 21, 2025.
Petitioner's counsel then informed the Court that the Department sent her an email communicating the acceptance of July 21 adjudication order, only after initiation of present proceedings.
Taking note of the record, the Bench expressed strong disapproval of the conduct of the Customs authorities.
It noted that the adjudicating authority had categorically held that the gold ring was personal jewellery forming part of the passenger's personal effects, was not imported into India, and was therefore not liable to confiscation or penalty. Despite this, the ring continued to remain detained for over a year.
The Bench observed that even the initial seizure of such a low-weight personal item was “completely misplaced” and that the petitioner had been compelled to approach the High Court for release of a 21-gram ring, which the Court described as unreasonable.
Accordingly, it directed immediate release of the gold ring and imposed costs of ₹5,000 on the Customs Department.
Appearance: Dr. Ashutosh and Ms. Fatima, Advs. for Petitioner; Mr. Piyush Beriwal, Adv. for Respondent
Case title: Sayara v. Commissioner Of Customs
Case no.: W.P.(C) 18588/2025