High Court halts deportation of Russian woman, her children found in Gokarna cave

India Today

2 days ago

The Karnataka High Court has stayed the deportation of the Russian woman and her children, who were recently found living in a cave in Gokarna, citing the need to prioritise their best interests as mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).The court's interim order puts a temporary halt on any unilateral action by authorities.The decision of Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav came during the hearing of a writ petition that was filed to challenge a sudden deportation order issued against the children. The petitioner, represented by advocate Beena Pillai, argued that the deportation process disregarded the children's welfare and violated UNCRC principles.advertisementThe petition was filed on behalf of Kutina's daughter, Prema (6) and Ama (4), who were rescued last week along with their mother by the Gokarna police during a routine patrol in the remote, landslide-prone Ramatirtha Hills. The family had been living in isolation, reportedly as part of Kutina's spiritual journey, when officials discovered them.
During the hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General appeared for the Union of India, while Advocate Beena Pillai represented the petitioner. The court noted that a detailed hearing is required in the matter. Based on the Centre's submission that the children do not currently possess valid travel documents, the court said the fear of immediate deportation is not reasonable at this stage.It directed the Centre to file its objections in writing within two weeks and made it clear that no deportation steps can be taken without first approaching the bench. Deportation, if any, cannot proceed without prior intimation to the court until the next hearing on August 18, 2025.Kutina had originally entered India on a business visa in 2016, which expired in 2017. Authorities say she re-entered India in 2018 after travelling to Nepal, and that multiple visa violations have since occurred. Her passport was recovered during a joint search operation by the police and forest department.Following the rescue, the family was shifted first to an ashram and later to a government women's shelter in Karwar.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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