The Supreme Court questioned the legitimacy of a man claiming to be the father of two minor Russian girls found living in a cave near Gokarna, Karnataka. The bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi was hearing his plea challenging a Karnataka High Court order permitting the Union Government to issue travel documents for their repatriation. The Court observed that the petitioner’s claims were unsubstantiated and appeared aimed at delaying the children’s return.
In July 2025, a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two minor daughters were discovered living in the Ramatirtha Hills near Gokarna, reportedly without residence documents or means of support. Dror Shlomo Goldstein moved the Karnataka High Court claiming to be the father and sought to restrain the Union Government from repatriating the children, citing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and asserting he had been caring for the mother and daughters.
The State informed the Court that DNA tests were conducted and emergency travel documents were issued by Russia. The mother had overstayed in India but expressed willingness to return, and the High Court upheld the government’s decision to facilitate their repatriation.
The petitioner claimed parental rights over the minors and argued that their repatriation should not proceed without judicial review to ensure their best interests.
The Apex Court bench expressed serious doubts about the petitioner’s standing. Justice Surya Kant asked, “What is your right? Who are you?” while Justice Joymala Bagchi criticized the petitioner for engaging in “publicity litigation” and questioned his responsibility while the children lived in a cave. The Court directed proof of parental claim but remained unconvinced, noting the plea appeared intended to delay repatriation. The petitioner ultimately withdrew the plea.
The Karnataka High Court had observed that the mother and children were living in isolation and that repatriation was in their best interest, with all necessary documents issued by Russia. The Apex Court allowed withdrawal of the plea and dismissed it, upholding the High Court’s decision. The Union Government remains authorized to facilitate the safe return of the mother and children to Russia.
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