exposing the dark side of adoption
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Deported mom's case could be 'tip of iceberg'

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Mayura Janwalkar

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday took a serious note of the irregularities alleged by Jennifer Haynes, 27, who was deported to Mumbai last year. The central government willhave to give the court an explanation for her deportation.

The Central Adoption and Resource Agency (Cara) had stated in an affidavit that it was not involved with Haynes's adoption as it came into existence in 1990, a year after Haynes was adopted by US nationals Edward and Melissa Hancox. Justice DY Chandrachud and justice RG Ketkar were, however, of the view that the agency could not absolve itself from its responsibility.

Justice Chandrachud remarked, "This may be just the tip of the iceberg." He called for all documents pertaining to Haynes's adoption. The court asked Cara to find out if any supervision was conducted after the high court permitted Haynes's inter-country adoption in November 1989. The court also asked Cara to inquire whether there were any breaches on part of the Americans for International Aid and Adoption and Kuan Yin Charity Trust in Mumbai that processed her adoption.

Haynes's advocate Pradeep Havnur told the court that his client's life in Mumbai "was worse than animal existence."

DNA was the first to report Haynes's case. She was deported to Mumbai in July last year owing to unfinished documentation at the time of her adoption. "I have got some hope after the court has sought an explanation from the government. I see it as a positive step in my case," Haynes said.

The court has asked the Centre to file an affidavit stating on what basis they accepted Haynes's repatriation and adjourned the case till June 10.

2009 Apr 4