Hearing on Petition against Fiona adjourned to Sep 29

Panaji, Sep 15 (UNI) Justice Nelson Britto of the Bombay High Court today adjourned hearing to September 29 on the petition filed by Utt Goenkara spokesperson Advocate Aires Rodrigues, challenging order of the Children's court that refused to direct police to investigate role of Ms Fiona Mackeown in the death of her minor daughter Scarlett Keeling.

Public Prosecutor C A Ferreira informed the court that Advocate Rodrigues could file a formal complaint against Ms Fiona with the police to enable them act.

Advocate Rodrigues has, in his petition, submitted that Ms Fiona was fully aware that her daughter Scarlett was a minor and that the law mandates that all children within the state of Goa be provided a safe environment, wherein the parents are responsible to ensure that the child is not abused.

The Children's court, being conferred with powers of a sessions court, had magisterial powers to direct investigation into offences alleged under the Children's Act, Advocate Rodrigues stated.

It may be recalled that the President of the Children's court Desmond D Costa on August 11 disallowed the complaint filed by Utt Goenkara Spokesman Adv Rodrigues on the ground that as per section 20 of the Children's Act, cognizance of any offence under the Act could be taken only on a complaint filed by the child, her parents, guardians, close relative, police or a competent authority under the Children's Act.

UNI SRN SR RL UCS1855