Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)

1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.

2. The present petition has been filed by the Petitioner- Imran under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, inter alia, seeking release of one gold rectangular shaped cut piece, weighing 338 gms, (hereinafter, ‘gold piece’) seized by the Customs Department vide detention receipt dated 24th March, 2024.

3. The case of the Petitioner, who is a resident of Kuwait, is that he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (hereinafter, ‘IGI Airport’) on 23rd March 2024. Upon arrival at the IGI Airport, the said gold piece was detained by the Customs Department.

4. Thereafter, the Petitioner’s Authorized Representative claims to have submitted a representation to the Customs Department on 20th May, 2024 seeking that the gold piece may not be disposed of. Despite this being the position, it is the allegation of the Petitioner that the same has been disposed of on 10th June 2024.

5. The Order-in-Original dated 30th December 2024 (hereinafter, ‘OIO’), directed confiscation of the gold piece, however, the OIO permitted redemption of the same upon making a payment of Rs 2 Lakhs. The operati