How heavy can be your golden mangalsutra chain while flying? Here's what Madras HC observed

A few days ago, the Madras High Court severely criticized a lady Customs Officer at Chennai airport for seizing the mangalsutra or ‘taali’ (traditional necklace worn by married women) from a newlywed woman passenger. In the incident that took place in 2023, when a newly-married Sri Lankan woman in India with her husband in Chennai for a pilgrimage, her 88-gm gold necklace and 45 gms of gold bangles were seized by the Customs. The court observed that Customs authorities should respect religious traditions and directed them to return the ‘taali’ to the passenger. The court also recommended disciplinary action against the Customs Officer. In its order, the court pointed out that wearing of gold ornaments was a normal practice among newlyweds. It said that the dignity and rights of passengers should not be violated citing rules. Meanwhile, how heavy can be your golden taali while flying, as per rules? Here's what you should know: 

The worth of your jewellery
As per the Customs rules, the passengers who are allowed to bring gold in the form of jewellery are Indians who have been living abroad for over a year. While men can carry jewellery for personal use worth up to Rs 50,000, women can bring jewellery valued up to Rs 1,00,000. Experts say that as long as the jewels are for personal use, the same rules apply to foreign tourists. If you feel your jewellery's value might cross these limits as per the existing market value, it's safe to declare it by filling out the Customs Declaration Form. The Customs might also request proof of purchase, such as receipts or invoices from the jewellery shop you bought it from. If you don't have the documents, the officials might ask you to pay customs duty based on the value of the jewellery.