Supreme Court Slams Delhi Police Over Negligence in Custody Battle Escape

The Supreme Court critiqued Delhi Police's negligence allowing a Russian woman to escape with her child amid a custody dispute, violating court orders. Authorities are instructed to use diplomatic channels to retrieve the child, while the police face scrutiny for oversight, with potential penalties looming.

The Supreme Court criticized the Delhi Police for their "negligence" in allowing a Russian woman involved in a contentious custody battle to illegally exit India with her child via the Nepal border. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi labeled the act as "sheer negligence" after the mother eluded a court-mandated watchful eye to flee the country.

The bench rebuked the police, emphasizing that the case was more complex than a simple custodial conflict. The child was under court supervision, rather than either parent. In an effort to resolve the crisis, the court stressed cautioning police officials that they would not escape consequences for their oversight.

While the authorities are reaching out to Interpol and putting diplomatic channels to use, the court gave a ten-day deadline for a comprehensive action report. Legal repercussions, including a possible Red Corner Notice, are on the table as the chase to return the child continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)