Malayalam Actor Navya Nair Fined ₹1.14 Lakh For Carrying Jasmines To Australia

Malayalam actress Navya Nair found herself in an unusual predicament at Melbourne International Airport when she was allegedly slapped with a hefty fine for carrying jasmine flowers on September 5. The actress, who was travelling to attend Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association in Victoria, was reportedly fined 1,980 Australian dollars (approximately ₹1.14 lakh), as authorities reportedly considered the flowers a biosecurity risk. 

Speaking at the Onam event in Melbourne, Navya shared her experience. "Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore, since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag," she recounted. 

Calling it a mistake, she continued, “What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15 cm jasmine string, officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1,980. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days.” She further stated, "A mistake is a mistake. Ignorance is no excuse."

On September 7, Navya took to her social media to share some pictures and videos from her flight to Australia.

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A post shared by Navya Nair (@navyanair143)

Why Did Navya Pay A Hefty Fine? 

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the passenger must declare all flowers and foliage on the incoming passenger card. “They will be inspected on arrival at the Australian border. Only cut flowers that we verify as free from pests can enter Australia,” it states.

The knowledge of the scientific or common name of the flowers or foliage will help ensure your goods can be cleared more quickly. “If live pests are found, we will need to identify the pest and may need the flowers to be treated before releasing them to you. You will be responsible for any costs,” it reads.

For domestic travels, authorities recognise the cultural or religious items commonly carried in India, like flowers, flower garlands, betel leaves, food products, etc. However, carrying these items may not be permissible abroad.