Summary: Sayara's 21-gram gold ring, taken by officials at IGI Airport, New Delhi, led to a year-long legal battle. The court finally ordered its return without any extra charges.
On July 14, 2024, Sayara arrived at IGI Airport in New Delhi from Dubai. Airport officials took her 21-gram gold ring, saying it wasn't properly declared. Sayara explained it was a personal gift from her brother-in-law.
On July 21, 2025, a decision was made that the gold ring was personal jewelry from India, and it shouldn't be taken away. Judges Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain noted the ring's value was Rs. 1,42,775, which is below the Rs. 10 Lakh limit, so it could be returned without any extra fees.
“The detained gold ring is not liable for confiscation as it is personal jewellery of Indian origin.”
The Customs Department initially resisted the decision. Sayara’s lawyer, Dr. Ashutosh, pointed out that she was ready to pay any necessary fees, but the Customs Department wrongly claimed an appeal was made.
On December 9, 2025, the court ordered that Sayara’s ring be given back to her immediately, and criticized the Customs Department for unnecessary delays. No storage charges were to be applied, and Sayara was awarded Rs. 5,000 for her troubles.
“The detention of the gold ring was completely misplaced.”
The court decided that the Customs Department was wrong to hold Sayara's ring and ordered it to be returned to her without any extra charges. The court also pointed out the need for better handling of personal items by customs officials.
