Malawi court delays Madonna decision

The Supreme Court of Malawi has delayed its judgement in Madonna's appeal over her failed bid to adopt a second child from the country.

Chief Justice Lovemore Munro opted to reserve judgement on the decision after hearing submissions from rights groups and Madonna's legal team over the star's request to adopt toddler Mercy James, AFP reports.

Jones Gulumba, lawyer for Eye of the Child, told the court: "Our contention is that the issue of residence is of paramount significance in the determination of this matter. The courts should make inter-country adoptions an option of last resort.

"In the absence of regulation inter-country adoptions should be done in the best interest of the child and be carried out with applicable laws and procedures."

Constitutional expert Modecai Msiska said: "I concede that the petitioner is not resident in Malawi but I urge the court look at the best interest of the child."

Chief Justice Munro concluded: "I adjourn the case to a later date when judgement will be delivered."