Supreme Court Directs Ministry of External Affairs to Seek Russia’s Help in Tracing Missing Woman and Child

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed the Ministry of External Affairs to send a fresh request to Russian authorities under the India-Russia Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters to assist in locating a missing woman and her child.

The Court criticised the Russian Embassy for prior non-cooperation and questioned the Indian Embassy in Moscow for underutilising resources.

The woman faces FIRs for kidnapping and forgery, with an INTERPOL blue corner notice issued.

Expressing concern over the child’s removal from court custody, the Court warned of gross contempt and ordered regular status reports.

[Viktoriia Basu v the State of West Bengal]