Mohit Mann Vs Union of India & Ors (Delhi High Court)
In Mohit Mann Vs Union of India & Ors, the Delhi High Court dealt with a writ petition, a review petition filed by the Customs Department, and a connected contempt petition arising out of detention of goods at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. The original writ petition was filed seeking release of goods detained by Customs on the intervening night of 14–15 November 2025, when the petitioner, an Indian-origin US citizen, arrived from Frankfurt with his wife and infant child. The detained items included multiple luxury watches, laptops, 17 mobile phones, and more than 500 grams of gold jewellery. The petitioner alleged prolonged detention of over 40 hours and claimed that several items were personal effects, while new phones were intended as gifts. He also expressed willingness to re-export the goods or pay applicable customs duty.
By an order dated 3 December 2025, the Court initially directed limited interim relief, including release of used jewellery and used phones, and ordered a hearing before Customs. The order was passed based on submissions that some items were personal effects and that the detention was excessive. Subsequently, the petitioner filed a contempt petition alleging non-compliance. In response, the Customs Department sought review of the 3 December order, asserting that material facts had been concealed.
