
Mystery of missing Russian woman, child, and a backdoor embassy entry in Delhi
He alleged that she was in a relationship with a diplomat from the embassy, according to a report by news agency PTI.The man further alleged that the police failed to protect the minor child, thereby violating the court's order.A bench of the Supreme Court on July 17 directed the authorities to seize the woman's passport and instructed all international airports, ports, and immigration authorities in India to ensure that she and the child do not leave the country."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," the bench noted, according to the PTI report."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.SC ASKS RUSSIAN EMBASSY IN INDIA TO COOPERATEThe court urged the Russian Embassy's senior officials to assist Indian authorities, including the Delhi Police, in enforcing its orders.It also criticised the woman's counsel for providing vague responses about her whereabouts, raising doubts about their credibility. The order was 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, according to PTI.The next hearing is scheduled for July 18.As part of a child custody agreement, the Supreme Court had initially ruled that the child should stay with the father for 20 hours a day and with the mother for the remaining four hours. This arrangement was to continue for two months.advertisementLater, the court modified its order, allowing the mother custody for three days a week, with the father having custody for the remaining four days.The mother, a Russian citizen who has been living in India since 2019 on an X-1 visa, has had her visa extended periodically by the Supreme Court during the ongoing proceedings.On May 22, the court also instructed the Delhi Police to maintain discreet but effective surveillance of the residences of both parents.However, despite the court's orders that the police failed to keep tabs on the woman, who has mysteriously disappeared now with the child amid a custody battle.- EndsMust Watch

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