Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday permitted the central government to issue travel documents for Russian national Nina Kutina and her minor daughters, enabling their return to Russia. The family had been found living in a cave near Gokarna in Uttara Kannada district.

Court verdict and background

Justice BM Shyam Prasad delivered the verdict, disposing of a petition filed by Dror Shlomo Goldstein, an Israeli national claiming to be the father of the children. Goldstein had sought to prevent the government from deporting the minors.

The judge noted that the woman and her daughters were discovered in an isolated cave without facilities. “The action for rehabilitation of the mother and children is by the authorities once they are found. This court must opine that it would only be just and reasonable to examine the children’s best interest in the backdrop of this,” the court stated.

Travel documents and citizenship

The High Court observed that the mother had implored authorities to allow the family to return to Russia. The Russian government responded promptly, requesting the family’s return. Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath, representing the central government, confirmed that a DNA test for the child had been completed, and Russian citizenship had been granted to the youngest daughter. Emergency travel documents were issued, valid from September 25 to October 9, to facilitate their departure.

Kamath clarified that while the woman had overstayed in India since 2017, the process of sending her and the children back could not be considered deportation. The court acknowledged that the central government has the authority to deport overstaying foreign nationals but considered the children’s welfare in this case.

Child welfare and court considerations

Justice Shyam Prasad emphasised that the best interests of the children were paramount. “All circumstances, including the mother’s request and the Russian government’s cooperation, make it reasonable for the court to allow travel,” the judge added. The court’s decision ensures that the family can be safely repatriated while addressing humanitarian concerns and international cooperation.

The family’s departure marks the resolution of a complex case involving overstaying foreign nationals, child welfare, and international coordination