Actress Fined Rs 1.14 Lakh For Carrying Jasmine Flowers At Airport

Malayalam actress Navya Nair recently faced an unexpected situation at Melbourne International Airport when she was fined AUD 1,980 (around Rs 1.14 lakh). The fine was imposed because she was carrying a 15 cm jasmine garland (gajra) in her handbag, which violated Australia’s strict biosecurity rules.

Navya had travelled to Australia to attend the Onam celebrations hosted by the Malayali Association of Victoria. During the security checks at the airport, officials found the jasmine flowers in her bag. When questioned, she explained that the flowers were given to her by her father before she left for her journey.

Speaking about the incident, Navya admitted her mistake and accepted responsibility. She reportedly said, “What I did was against the law. It was an error I made unknowingly, but ignorance cannot be an excuse. For carrying a small jasmine string, I was asked to pay AUD 1,980 within 28 days. A mistake is still a mistake, even if it was not intentional.”

Australia is known for having one of the toughest customs and biosecurity systems in the world. Their laws are designed to protect the country from foreign pests, diseases, and plants that could harm local agriculture and the environment. This is why even food items, flowers, fruits, or seeds are not allowed to be carried freely into the country.

On the professional front, Navya Nair made her acting debut with the film Ishtam and later gained popularity with movies like Mazhathullikkilukkam and Kunjikkoonan. She continues to remain an admired actress in the Malayalam film industry.