Custody row: SC directs Centre to issue lookout notice against 'missing' Russian wife, child; 'seize her passport'

NEW DEKHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the central government to issue lookout notice for a Russian woman absconding with her child. The bench also directed the authorities to "seize her passport" and to inform the airports and immigration officials across the nation to ensures that she doesn't leave the country.

The father, embroiled in a custody battle with his estranged Russian wife , has alleged that she violated court orders by withholding access to their minor child. He claimed he has had no knowledge of their whereabouts since July 7, despite repeatedly filing complaints, none of which, he said, prompted any action, according to PTI.

"Father of the child apprehends that the petitioner has been facilitated to flee out of the jurisdiction of this court. She was statedly seen entering the Russian Embassy through a back door on July 4, 2025 along with a Russian diplomat, with whom she is alleged to have some relationship. It is further alleged that the police have failed to provide protection to the minor child, thereby defying the directions issued by this court," PTI reported the bench as saying.

"Keeping in mind the comity, diplomatic relationship, and autonomy enjoyed on a reciprocal basis by different embassies, we are not issuing any directions in respect of the officers of the Russian Embassy in India. However, we do not hesitate to observe that if, on the basis of the police report, we find any diplomatic personnel attached or connected to the said embassy has prima facie committed an offence within the framework of the penal laws of this country, the law must take its own course," it added.

The court urged the Russian embassy’s top official to assist Indian authorities, including Delhi Police, in enforcing its orders. It criticized the woman's counsel for giving vague responses about her whereabouts, raising doubts about their credibility. The order was also directed to be shared with senior legal and police officials for compliance.

"The officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, Union of India are also directed to communicate this order to all international airports and other ports within India, and the immigration authorities be intimated to ensure that neither the petitioner (woman) nor the minor child is permitted to leave the country," the order said.

The hearing has been posted for July 18. The child's mother, a Russian citizen living in India since 2019 on an X-1 visa, had her visa extended periodically by the Supreme Court during ongoing proceedings. On May 22, the court also instructed Delhi Police to maintain discreet but effective surveillance on both parents' residences.