The Supreme Court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a lookout notice for a Russian mother who has allegedly absconded with her child amidst a custody dispute. The court's order came after being informed that the mother and child had "vanished into the wilderness".

The case involves a five-year-old child who is at the center of what the court described as a "ferocious" custody battle. The Supreme Court has now intervened with a series of directives aimed at ensuring the child's recovery and preventing the mother from leaving the country.

Specifically, the Delhi police, including the Commissioner, have been ordered to immediately trace the minor and hand over unconditional custody to the child's father. The MEA and Ministry of Home Affairs are instructed to issue lookout notices to prevent the Russian mother from leaving India, and her passport is to be seized. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has suggested that MEA officials engage with the Russian embassy to seek permission to enter the residence of a diplomat who was last seen with the mother.

The background of the case involves allegations between the parents regarding the child's well-being. An earlier order had granted the Russian mother exclusive custody for three days a week, with the father having custody for the remaining days. However, the father recently filed an application stating that the mother has been untraceable since July 7, after the child's school hours. He also reported that she is unreachable by phone and at her residence, and that the child has missed medical appointments and school.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court questioned the mother's counsels about her whereabouts, but they claimed to be unaware. The court expressed skepticism about their claims, suggesting they were being evasive and warning of potential future action against them. The court said, “You people know everything…you think you can play mischief with us?".