Kerala HC asks Dulquer Salmaan to approach customs over seized Land Rover Defender

Dulquer Salmaan

Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan found himself back in the headlines on Tuesday as the Kerala High Court directed him to take up the matter of his seized high-end vehicle with the customs authorities.

The 2004 Land Rover Defender, owned by Dulquer Salmaan, was seized last month during a raid by the Customs Preventive Unit in Kochi, part of a larger probe into alleged irregularities in the import and registration of luxury vehicles.

During the hearing, Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. made it clear that the court would not intervene at this stage. “I am of the view that… the investigation is only at the initial stage and it is not proper for this court to enter into any finding," the judge observed.

The court advised Dulquer Salmaan to submit an application under Section 110A of the Customs Act, which allows owners to seek provisional release of seized goods, according to LiveLaw.

Legal Route Explained

The court noted that the actor has the right under the law to approach the Adjudicating Authority, in this case, the Additional Commissioner of Customs, Kochi.

The judge added, “In case the application of the petitioner is being rejected, the same can only be done only by a speaking order with specific reference to the documents produced and the contentions raised.”

The competent authority is required to consider such an application and pass an appropriate order within a week, giving Dulquer Salmaan or his legal representative a chance to be heard.

Dulquer Salmaan Claims Lawful Ownership

In his writ petition, Dulquer Salmaan asserted that he is the lawful owner of the SUV, purchased from Aarpee Promoters Pvt. Ltd. nearly five years ago. He maintained that all transactions were conducted through proper banking channels and valid customs and registration documents were provided at the time of purchase.

The documents filed with the court show that the vehicle was originally imported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), New Delhi. Dulquer Salmaan claimed he had no knowledge of any prior irregularities and had been using the SUV in good faith.

The case highlights the growing scrutiny over luxury vehicle imports in Kerala and the procedural avenues available for owners like Dulquer Salmaan to seek relief.

Also read: Diljit Dosanjh announces new album 'Aura' release date, track list and Aura tour 2025 Details

FAQs

Q1: Why was Dulquer Salmaan’s Land Rover Defender seized?
A1: The vehicle was seized by the Customs Preventive Unit in Kochi as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the import and registration of luxury vehicles.

Q2: What did the Kerala High Court direct Dulquer Salmaan to do?
A2: The court advised Dulquer Salmaan to approach the Additional Commissioner of Customs, Kochi under Section 110A of the Customs Act for provisional release of the vehicle.

Q3: Does Dulquer Salmaan claim ownership of the vehicle?
A3: Yes, Dulquer Salmaan stated he purchased the SUV from Aarpee Promoters Pvt. Ltd. nearly five years ago through proper channels and had valid customs and registration documents.