The Supreme Court has granted the Centre four weeks to trace a Russian woman who allegedly fled India with her minor child amid an ongoing custody dispute. The case highlights complex issues of child welfare, international law, and diplomatic coordination.
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NEW DELHI: On Monday, the Supreme Court allowed the Union Government an additional four weeks to locate a Russian woman who is accused of leaving India with her minor child while a contentious custody dispute with her estranged Indian husband was still pending before the Court.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the Centre’s submissions indicating sustained diplomatic and legal efforts to locate the woman and the child, who are believed to have travelled to Russia after leaving India in violation of court orders.
Appearing for the Union of India, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the Court that Interpol notices have already been issued and that Indian authorities are actively coordinating with international agencies. She assured the Bench that diplomatic channels, including the Indian Embassy in Moscow, are fully engaged in the matter.
Seeking more time, Bhati stated that further developments were expected and an updated status report would be filed. Emphasising the strength of bilateral ties, she remarked that “Russia is an all-weather friend,” underscoring the importance of cooperation in resolving the matter.
Accepting the request, the Court granted the Centre four weeks to submit a comprehensive progress report.
The Bench reiterated its earlier direction dated November 28, 2025, directing the Centre to work closely with Indian diplomats in Moscow and seek assistance from the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation. A key concern highlighted by the Court was the well-being of the minor child, directing authorities to ascertain the child’s health and safety.
Acknowledging the diplomatic sensitivity of the case, the Court observed:
“We don’t want to pass any order which may hurt the relationship between India and Russia, but it is also a matter where a child is involved.”
The Bench further noted that while it hoped the child was safe with the mother, it remained cautious, adding:
“Hope it is not the case of human trafficking.”
Background of the Custody Dispute
The Russian woman had been residing in India since 2019 on an X-1 visa, with periodic extensions granted under court supervision. On May 22, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered a split custody arrangement, granting custody to the mother from Monday to Wednesday, and to the father for the remaining four days of the week.
However, in July 2025, the woman allegedly fled India with the child, reportedly crossing into Nepal and travelling onwards via Sharjah to Russia—an act alleged to be in direct violation of Supreme Court directions.
Following the disappearance, the Supreme Court expressed serious displeasure, terming the act “gross contempt of court” and describing the situation as “unacceptable.” The Court ordered the Delhi Police to immediately trace the woman and child and directed the Centre to issue a Look-Out Circular (LOC).
The child’s father has since claimed that he has had no information about their whereabouts and has accused his estranged wife of deliberately flouting judicial orders.
The matter is now scheduled to be taken up again after four weeks, when the Centre will place on record an updated report detailing diplomatic, legal, and enforcement measures undertaken to trace the woman and the child.
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