Russian Woman Remains Untraceable in Child Custody Case, Centre Tells Supreme Court

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Background of the Case

The Supreme Court of India is hearing a sensitive international child custody case involving a missing Russian woman and her four-year-old son, reportedly born out of wedlock with an Indian national. The woman has allegedly absconded with the child amid a custody battle, prompting urgent legal and investigative action.

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Centre’s Submission to Supreme Court

On July 19, the Central Government, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, informed the Supreme Court that the Russian woman remains untraceable. She has not exited India through any legal immigration channel, and no air travel records indicate her departure.

The ASG confirmed that:

• Look-Out Circulars (LOCs) and ‘Hue and Cry’ notices have been issued nationwide.

• Notices were disseminated to senior police officials across all states.

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is overseeing the trace effort in cooperation with Delhi Police.

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Court Orders Swift Search Using Non-Aerial Transport

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant raised concern over the missing woman and the child's safety. The court directed:

• Authorities must coordinate with Indian Railways and road transport services to investigate non-aerial travel records.

• CCTV footage from all entry and exit points in the Delhi-NCR region must be reviewed by Delhi Police.

• Officials must act with urgency, with the Court remarking: “They need to do something very quickly.”

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 21 (Monday).

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Russian Embassy and MEA Involvement

The Russian Embassy has been cooperating with Indian authorities.

• According to the ASG, the embassy confirmed the woman’s July 5 visit, where she spent around one hour seeking legal help concerning complaints against her Indian husband.

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that even the woman’s family in Russia is unaware of her current location, confirming that she is untraceable both in India and abroad.

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Husband's Cooperation & Surveillance at Embassy

The Indian husband, through his counsel, has submitted that he and his family are cooperating with the authorities and are providing all available information.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had:

• Directed the Centre and Delhi Police to seek permission to inspect a residential premise of a Russian embassy official who allegedly helped the woman enter the embassy from the back door, carrying heavy luggage.

• The Court was informed via WhatsApp communication from the Russian Embassy that the woman had visited only for legal support, not asylum or departure.

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Financial Trail Suggests No Foreign Escape

Interestingly, the government also traced a recent bank transaction by the woman.

• Her bank account balance dropped from ₹250 to ₹169, indicating that she is unlikely to have fled the country, as such an act would demand higher expenditures.

• The Court was informed that she might be traveling domestically—possibly on foot or through roadways or railways, not by air or legal immigration channels.

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Legal and Diplomatic Sensitivities at Stake

The case brings to focus not only international family law disputes but also:

• Consular relations between India and Russia,

• The efficacy of India’s immigration tracking systems, and

• The urgent need for inter-agency coordination in matters involving minors and foreign nationals.

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What’s Next?

The Supreme Court has adjourned the matter to Monday, July 21, with further directives likely based on progress made in the investigation. This case may set important procedural precedents in transnational custody disputes, especially those involving foreign nationals residing in India.

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