10 months ago
Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Russian Woman Fleeing with Child
Imagine a mommy from Russia and a daddy from India are fighting over their child.
The mommy took the child and went to Russia.
The Supreme Court in India is trying to help find the child because they are worried about them.
The Indian government is talking to the Russian government to get help, but it's not working very well yet.
The court hopes the child is safe with their mom but is also concerned if something bad might be happening.
They want to find the child without causing problems between India and Russia.
The Supreme Court of India is concerned about tracing a Russian woman and child who allegedly fled to Moscow amidst a custody battle.
The court noted diplomatic challenges involving the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy in Moscow, and the Russian Embassy in Delhi.
India has issued Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) requests to Russia and Nepal for cooperation in tracing the child.
The Russian Embassy stated that media reports are speculative and affirmed its commitment to defending Russian citizens' rights under Indian law.
The Supreme Court expressed concern for the child's well-being and the potential impact on India-Russia relations, questioning if it's a case of human trafficking.
- Who
- A Russian woman, Victoria Basu, and her child, her estranged Indian husband, the Supreme Court of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Russian Embassy in India.
- What
- The Supreme Court is hearing a case involving a Russian woman accused of fleeing to Moscow with her child amid a custody battle with her estranged Indian husband. The court is concerned about the lack of progress in tracing the child and the diplomatic challenges involved.
- Where
- The child and mother are believed to be in Moscow, Russia, after allegedly fleeing via Nepal and Sharjah (UAE). The legal proceedings are taking place in India.
- When
- The Supreme Court made observations regarding the matter while hearing the case. Fresh MLAT requests were issued on October 17.
- Why
- The Supreme Court is seeking to ensure the child's safety and well-being, restore the child to the apex court's custody, and navigate the diplomatic complexities between India and Russia without harming bilateral relations, while also investigating potential human trafficking.
Supreme Court and Indian Government's Stance
Russian Embassy's Stance
Information Flow and Cooperation
Supreme Court and Indian Government's Stance
The Indian government faces a 'road-block' in obtaining information from the Russian side, despite taking various efforts and issuing MLAT requests.
Russian Embassy's Stance
The Russian Embassy stated that media reports are speculative and do not correspond to reality, while affirming its duty to defend Russian citizens' rights in accordance with Indian legislation.
Involvement of Embassy Officials
Supreme Court and Indian Government's Stance
The Supreme Court noted the 'complicity of Russian embassy officials in helping the Russian woman to flee the country'.
Russian Embassy's Stance
The Russian Embassy's statement implicitly denies such complicity by stating their adherence to Indian legislation and refuting speculative media reports.
Child's Safety and Trafficking Concerns
Supreme Court and Indian Government's Stance
The Supreme Court expressed concern for the child's well-being, hoping the child is well and healthy, and questioned if it might be a case of human trafficking.
Russian Embassy's Stance
While not directly addressing the trafficking concern, the Russian Embassy emphasizes its role in defending the rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens.
Key facts
- Parties Involved
- Russian citizen Victoria Basu, estranged Indian husband, Supreme Court of India, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Russian Embassy in India, Indian Embassy in Moscow, Delhi Police
- Child's Alleged Path
- Fled to Moscow via Nepal and Sharjah (UAE)
- Legal Actions Taken
- Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) requests issued to Russia and Nepal
- Russian Embassy Statement
- Denies media reports as speculative and affirms commitment to Russian citizens' rights under Indian law
- Supreme Court's Concern
- Ensuring child's well-being, avoiding damage to India-Russia relations, and addressing potential human trafficking
Quotes
Russian Embassy in India
The diplomatic mission representing Russia in India.
“it implements its priority duties to ensure and defend rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens in full accordance with the Indian legislation.”
deccanchronicle.com
Supreme Court bench
A panel of judges hearing the case.
“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. We can only hope the child is well and healthy as he is with the mother. Hope it is not the case of human trafficking...”
deccanchronicle.com
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati
Appearing for the Centre (Indian government).
“We are road-blocked on information from the Russian side, despite taking various efforts.”
deccanchronicle.com
