Fiona case adjourned to November 5

Panaji, Oct 29 (UNI) Goa Child and Woman Development Director Sanjiv Gadkar, who is a designated competent authority under the Children's Act 2003 has adjourned the case involving the mother of slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling, Fiona Mackeown, till November 5.

State-based NGO Utt Goenkara's spokesman Advocate Aires Rodrigues had filed a complaint before Mr Gadkar, alleging that Ms Mackeown had violated the provisions of the Children's Act by leaving her minor daughter in the care of one Julio with the intention that he would take care of her, even when she was fully aware that the law mandates 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.

Mr Gadkar had directed Ms Mackeown to appear before him and show cause as to why action should not be taken against her in the case.

He had refused to accept the reply filed by her Advocate Vikram Verma, stating that Advocate Verma had not produced any letter from Ms Mackeown, saying that he was authorised to file a reply.

Mr Gadkar, in his last order, had stated that if Ms Mackeown did not appear and show cause before him, he would proceed against her in accordance with the law.

UNI SRN SR SBC RAI1343