A judge in Malawi has postponed his ruling, originally scheduled to be issued Monday, that addresses concerns associated with Madonna’s plan to adopt 13-month-old David Banda.
The judge, Andrew Nyirenda, was away attending a conference and was therefore unable to deliver his ruling. He has said that the ruling can be expected early next week.
Madonna is facing opposition from various human rights and child advocacy groups who believe the Malawi government allowed the singer to skirt the legal requirements necessary to adopt little David. Judge Nyiredna granted an “interim order” for Madonna and her husband, Guy Ritchie, to take David to their London home.
David’s father, Yohane Banda, 32, at first was unclear on the terms of his son’s adoption—believing Madonna and Guy would simply care for the child—but now is supporting the adoption proceedings.
On Friday, Banda married a woman who is three months pregnant.
