Recently, far-famed celebrity Madonna has become embroiled in a controversy after her adoption of a Malawian baby boy named David Banda. She expressed her intention to adopt this baby during her trip to an orphanage in Malawi. The star arrived in Malawi on October 4, 2006, when Malawi's High Court granted Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie an interim order allowing the couple temporary custody of the child for 18 months. Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie left on Friday without the baby who did not have a passport and visa. On October 16, baby David was flown to America after obtaining the necessary documents, with one bodyguard and Madonna's personal assistant.

Malawian law bans adoptions by non-residents. One has to live in Malawi for two years to adopt a baby.  The controversy has risen whether Madonna has been exempted from these laws because of her celebrity status. Director of the Civil Liberties Committee, Emmie Chanika said, “The rich shouldn't get preferential treatment. I am fine with the idea of the adoption, but I want people to go through the system.”

The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC),a group of 67 human rights NGOs in Malawi, told PEOPLE Magazine about their plan to ask the High Court of Malawi to take legal measures to halt Madonna's adoption of David. Maxwell Matewere, director of Eye of the Child, Malawi's leading child advocacy group said, “We will proceed with the case. We still lodge an injunction; if the court accepts the injunction then the baby must fly back.”

Yohane Banda, biological father of baby David, became incensed upon hearing HRCC's objection on adoption. He told PEOPLE , “As David's father I have no problem (with the adoption), so what is their concern? Are they jealous or what? What I want is good life, a good education for my child.” 31 year old Yohane lost his wife one week after David's birth. He gave David to the orphanage because of his inability to take care of him.

HRCC chairman Justin Dzonzi says to justify their protest against adoption that David could suffer psychological damage if Madonna and Ritchie ever break up. Further he added that under current laws David is not entitled to inherit any of Madonna's wealth.

Yohane Banda expressed his worries for his baby that the controversy may cause Maddona to dump the child. A hearing scheduled on October 27, in Malawi High Court to review the adoption process and resolve the controversy of adoption of 13-month-old David Banda has been adjourned until November 13.

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