(a) whether the Government has recently decided to tighten the
customs laws by taking away the power to grant bail for offences
punishable with imprisonment of three years or more; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefore and extent
by which the new provisions the likely to check goods illegally
brought from abroad?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S.PALANIMANICKAM)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) As per proposed changes, the Power to grant bail for offences
punishable with imprisonment of three years or more would now be
exercised by the Magistrate and not customs officers arresting the
persons. This would act as a deterrent to check goods illegally
brought from abroad.