Thaindian News

Malawi’s Supreme Court of Appeal. has approved an application by all-time recording artist, dancer, and actress Madonna to adopt a Malawi orphan named Chifundo.

Controversy has dogged the singer’s bid to adopt Chifundo - whose name translates into English as Mercy - with human rights groups accusing Malawian authorities of giving her special treatment.

The ruling by the three-judge panel overturns the decision of Judge Esme Chombo who blocked the performers attempt to adopt a sister for her other Malawi adoptee David, in March.

Ruling that Madonna did not meet the residency requirements, Judge Chombo said, “the issue of residence, I find, is the key upon which the question of adoption rests and it is the very bedrock of protection that our children need; it must therefore not be tampered with.”

She added: ”Anyone could come to Malawi and quickly arrange for an adoption that might have grave consequences on the very children the law seeks to protect.”

Dissatisfied with the decision, 50-year-old Madonna appealed to the Malawi Court of Appeal where her Malawi lawyers have been lobbying judges to approve the adoption application.

Following the decision in March Malawi Information minister Patricia Kaliati said the singer, who has poured thousands of dollars into building a day care centre in the impoverished country, had helped Malawi and was a worthy mother.

The star, who was divorced last year from British film director Guy Ritchie, is one of the most successful singers of all time, with album sales of more than 200million.

She has recently been reunited with Jesus Luz - the model 28 years her junior - who she split from days before flying into Malawi for the adoption bid back in March.