A Czech national recently detained while flying from Goa to Doha for carrying a GPS-enabled device that violated Indian law.
He was stopped during baggage screening before boarding his Qatar Airways flight at 1:30 PM.
Authorities found a Garmin Edge 540 GPS device in his luggage.
Traveling with certain gadgets can land you in trouble, especially if you’re unaware of the local laws. A Czech tourist recently learned this the hard way at Manohar International Airport in North Goa. Martin Polesny, a 54-year-old Czech national, was detained while flying from Goa to Doha on December 9 for carrying a GPS-enabled device that violated Indian law.
What happened?
Polesny was stopped during baggage screening before boarding his Qatar Airways flight at 1:30 PM. Authorities found a Garmin Edge 540 GPS device in his luggage. This gadget, primarily a bike computer, tracks speed, distance, and other metrics using GPS. However, it also features a built-in satellite transmitter, which raised concerns.
Under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, possessing wireless communication equipment without a proper license is prohibited.
Why is it illegal?
While Garmin Edge 540 is available in India, it does not support satellite communication in the country. However, its built-in satellite transmitter caused authorities to take action. According to Indian law, the general public cannot use or own satellite phones or similar devices due to national security risks.
Czech foreign ministry spokesman Daniel Drake clarified the situation, stating, “The computer had an in-built satellite transmitter. Travelling with satellite transmitters or phones is prohibited in India.”
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Legal action
According to PTI (via TOI), the police have registered a case against Polesny under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. A police spokesperson said, “The accused could not produce any license or permission from a competent authority to use the gadget.”
Officials have served Polesny with a notice requiring him to appear before the Goa police for further investigation.
What travelers should know
This incident highlights the importance of understanding local regulations before traveling with gadgets like these. Devices with wireless or satellite communication features may require special licenses in India. Ignorance of the law can lead to serious consequences, including legal trouble.
If you’re planning to visit India, ensure your tech complies with the country’s rules to avoid unnecessary complications.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
