A Canadian path runner having fun with a months-long journey to India discovered herself in hassle with airport authorities in Goa after they detected an unlawful merchandise in her bag – a mini GPS system, forbidden below Indian legislation by laws that’s practically a century previous.
Tina Lewis, who now lives in Colorado, had already been via a number of different Indian airports with out drawback when she caught the eye of safety in Goa.
‘I introduced my Garmin inReach system as I do for a lot of of my worldwide journeys for tenting, attainable mountain adventures, and to make use of when there isn’t a cell reception for security as a solo feminine traveler,’ Lewis wrote on Instagram this week.
‘To verify in with household/buddies. I used to be detained at airport safety (CISF) in Goa and escorted to the Goan police outpost to be investigated. I used to be not conscious a GPS system was unlawful. It is a 1933 (!!!) legislation.
According to the Indian wi-fi Telegraphy Act of 1933, possession of wi-fi telegraphy tools with out a correct license is prohibited.’
The ban encompasses satellite tv for pc expertise, included within the Garmin inReach Mini system, described on the corporate’s website as a ‘go-to connection for sustaining off-the-grid contact.
‘It’s our palm-sized satellite tv for pc communicator for adventures the place dimension and weight matter. Need help? Send interactive SOS alerts anytime, globally,’ it continues.
‘No matter the place you might be, two-way messaging permits you to connect with those who matter … Get connectivity and peace of thoughts.’
Runner Tina Lewis was compelled to spend hundreds of {dollars} combating her case in an Indian courtroom after being arrested for her satellite tv for pc GPS
Lewis introduced her Garmin inReach Mini along with her to make sure security whereas working
The description is adopted by a outstanding message: ‘NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the usage of satellite tv for pc communications units.
It is the duty of the person to know and comply with all relevant legal guidelines within the jurisdictions the place the system is meant for use.’
Lewis wrote that, after ‘hours of investigation, she was bailed out by a buddy’s ‘lawyer connection at midnight.’
After ‘days of courtroom,’ her case ‘was lastly cleared.’
She was simply the newest in a string of vacationers arrested below comparable circumstances.
A Czech traveler was additionally arrested in Goa with a Garmin system earlier this month, as was an American with an precise satellite tv for pc cellphone in Dehradun, based on native studies.
‘This outdated legislation must be challenged at increased courts so different vacationers don’t expertise what I and others have,’ Lewis posted on Instagram, including: ‘WARNING: carrying a GPS system in India can get you arrested!’
Lewis mentioned she was baffled by the decades-old legislation that did not come up within the majority of airports in India
It took six days for her passport to be returned, she informed IRunFar, and she or he spent hundreds in courtroom fines and lawyer charges – along with surrendering her Garmin system.
She continued her journey all through India, nonetheless, posting updates with pictures from different areas with accompanying phrases like ‘Trying to get again into my rhythm…’
‘Since receiving my passport again, I didn’t wish to make a rash determination and simply fly residence,’ Lewis wrote. ‘I used to be not letting this expertise destroy my journey.
‘I took just a few days to relaxation & reset on the seashore.
‘I’m undecided I’ll really feel the identical method in regards to the nation as I did earlier than however I’m prepared to at the very least depart with a greater expertise, and a few good tales.’
