New Delhi, October 6, 2025: In a stern rebuke, the Supreme Court of India on Monday dismissed a plea by Israeli national Dror Shlomo Goldstein, who claimed to be the father of two minor daughters born to a Russian woman discovered living in a cave near Gokarna, Karnataka. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, questioned Goldstein's credentials, income sources, and his role in the children's lives, ultimately allowing him to withdraw the petition while terming it "frivolous" and possibly motivated by publicity.

Background of the Case: Discovery: On July 9-11, 2025, during a routine patrol in the Ramatirtha Hills near Gokarna (Uttara Kannada district), local police rescued 40-year-old Russian national Nina Kutina and her two daughters (aged 6 and 4) from an isolated cave where they had been living for nearly two months without basic facilities or valid documents. Kutina's visa had expired in April 2017—over eight years prior.

Rescue and Deportation Proceedings: The trio was handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Tumakuru and placed in a Foreigners Restriction Centre. The Russian Consulate issued emergency travel documents (valid until October 9, 2025) for their repatriation. Kutina herself had written to the consulate expressing her desire to return home.Also Read: Maithili Thakur to Enter Electoral Politics?: Who is This Singer?

Karnataka High Court Order: On September 26, 2025, the High Court (Justice BM Shyam Prasad) upheld the Centre's decision to issue travel documents, emphasizing the children's best interests and the mother's request for return. It dismissed Goldstein's initial petition, noting he failed to explain why the family was living in such dire conditions if he was supporting them.TRASE Block Heels Sandals For Women, Dusky Stylish & Comfortable Footwear

Supreme Court Hearing Goldstein, a businessman reportedly residing in Goa, challenged the High Court order, seeking custody of the children and a stay on their deportation. He argued it violated the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and claimed responsibility for the younger child (born in India, thus entitled to certain rights under Indian law)

Justice Surya Kant: "What is your right? Who are you? Show us any official document declaring you as the father." He further probed: "You are Israeli. What work do you do in India? You went to Nepal to renew your visa and returned to Goa—what were you doing there? What's your source of income? Why should we not direct your deportation?"

Justice Joymalya Bagchi: Labeled the plea "publicity interest litigation" and questioned: "What were you doing when your children were living in a cave?" The court noted a lack of evidence showing Goldstein's family support or involvement.

Faced with the court's scrutiny, Goldstein's counsel sought to withdraw the plea, which was permitted. In a broader remark, Justice Kant observed: "This country has become a haven... anybody comes and stays."