New Delhi, 6 Oct

The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on an Israeli businessman living in Goa, questioning his whereabouts and intentions after he sought to stop the repatriation of two minor girls and their Russian mother, who were rescued from a forest in Karnataka in July.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi reprimanded the petitioner, Dror Shlomo Goldstein, asking, “What were you doing in Goa when your children were living in a cave?” The court also questioned whether he had valid documents to reside in India, suggesting he was misusing the country as a “safe haven.”

Goldstein claimed to be the father of the two girls, aged six and five, who were found with their Russian mother, Nina Kutina, living in Ramatirtha Hills, Gokarna. All three lacked valid documents and were moved to a Foreigners’ Restriction Centre. The Karnataka High Court on 26 September had ordered their repatriation to Russia, which Goldstein challenged in the Supreme Court.

The bench dismissed the petition as “publicity litigation,” citing Goldstein’s failure to present any official proof of paternity. Facing the court’s disapproval, his counsel withdrew the plea.

The high court noted that Kutina wished to return to Russia and had been issued emergency travel documents valid until 9 October. The Russian consulate supported her return, and DNA evidence confirmed the children’s citizenship.

The Supreme Court’s rebuke underscores the seriousness of cross-border custody claims and the welfare of children.