Bipasha's customs collision: Was it justified?

Do you think Rs 25,000 worth of duty-free goods is a reasonable limit imposed upon air travellers by the Indian Government?

Yesterday, actress Bipasha Basu was detained at Mumbai's international airport upon her return from London for carrying Rs 60,000 worth of designer goods that she failed to declare in customs.

The actress was made to pay a fine of Rs 12,000 before being let off by the authorities and she obeyed without complaint, releasing a statement that they were doing 'an excellent job'.

Bips may have paid up, but the fact of the matter is that many find the Rs 25,000 limit -- roughly the equivalent of 553 US dollars -- imposed on shopping abroad a tad unreasonable.

The steep fines imposed on declared goods is also much grumbled about -- it's worth noting that she was taxed on only Rs 35,000 worth of her luggage and that added up to a steep 12K (to learn more about Indian customs regulations, visit http://www.cbec.gov.in/travellers.htm)

Are you of the opinion that the limit imposed on travellers is appropriate or would you prefer the Government to increase it?

Also, do you have any stories to share about run-ins at the airport and/or with the customs department?

Write in to us at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: Detained at the Airport) along with a photograph, if possible and we'll publish the best entries right here.

Photograph: Still from Race