**Karnataka High Court Halts Deportation of Russian Family Found in Cave**
The Karnataka High Court has intervened to prevent the deportation of a Russian woman and her two children, who were recently discovered living in a cave in Gokarna. The court emphasized the importance of prioritizing the family’s best interests, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This interim order effectively pauses any unilateral actions by authorities regarding their deportation.
Justice S. Sunil Dutt Yadav issued the ruling during a hearing of a writ petition challenging a sudden deportation order aimed at the children. The petition, filed by advocate Beena Pillai on behalf of the family, argued that the deportation process overlooked the children’s welfare and contravened UNCRC principles.
The family, consisting of Kutina and her daughters Prema (6) and Ama (4), was rescued last week by Gokarna police during a routine patrol in the remote Ramatirtha Hills, an area prone to landslides. They had been living in isolation, reportedly as part of Kutina’s spiritual journey, when officials found them.
During the proceedings, the Assistant Solicitor General represented the Union of India, while Beena Pillai advocated for the petitioners. The court acknowledged the need for a comprehensive hearing on the matter. Given the Centre’s assertion that the children currently lack valid travel documents, the court deemed the fear of immediate deportation unreasonable at this time.
The court instructed the Centre to submit written objections within two weeks and clarified that no deportation actions could occur without prior notification to the court. Any potential deportation must await the next hearing scheduled for August 18, 2025.
Kutina initially entered India on a business visa in 2016, which expired in 2017. Authorities noted that she re-entered India in 2018 after traveling to Nepal, leading to multiple visa violations. Her passport was recovered during a joint operation by the police and the forest department.
Following their rescue, the family was relocated first to an ashram and subsequently to a government women’s shelter in Karwar.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the reason for the Karnataka High Court’s intervention?**
A: The court intervened to protect the best interests of the children, citing the UNCRC, and halted their deportation pending further hearings.
