Actor Navya Nair fined over Rs 1 lakh for carrying Jasmine flowers to Australia
Malayalam Actress Navya Nair Faces ₹1 Lakh Fine In Australia For Carrying Gajra: Indian women traditionally wear gajras—beautiful flower garlands made from jasmine or mallow—as a decorative accessory. However, this simple tradition became costly for Malayalam actress Navya Nair, who was fined 1980 Australian dollars (about 1.14 lakh rupees) at Melbourne airport for carrying a gajra in her handbag.
Navya was traveling to Melbourne to participate in the Onam festival organized by the Malayali Association of Victoria. Before leaving Kochi, her father gave her two gajras—one to wear and one to keep in her bag. Upon arrival in Australia, airport authorities stopped her and informed her that carrying cut flowers without declaring them violates Australian laws.
What are the laws of Australia?
According to Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, bringing cut flowers or leaves without prior declaration is prohibited to prevent the risk of pests and diseases. Travelers must declare all plant materials on arrival cards and have them inspected. Failure to do so can result in fines up to 6600 Australian dollars (around 3.81 lakh rupees), legal action, or even visa cancellation.
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