Thirty-two girls of Mose Ministries, the children’s home in Tamil Nadu being investigated for confining girls and women illegally, whose DNA matched with their parents may not get to be with their family for Pongal this year. It remains unclear as to when they can join their families since the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court did not mention a reunion during last hearing on November 30, 2016.
A parent, R Kannan from V Mettupattu village near Usilampatti told The Times of India that the court had not confirmed their reunion with their daughter, and they are waiting for information from district social welfare officer. He added that he has lost hope that they will be able bring their daughter home for Pongal.
R Kannan had given her third daughter to the founder of the home Pastor Gideon John due to poverty about 17 years ago.
The court order on November 30 reads that the girls who have completed 18 years, their wishes must be ascertained by the director of social welfare department. Moreover, after the girls leave the home, they will be given financial support and they will be allowed to choose their abode according to their wish. If any of the girls wish to continue to have protection, they will be sent to a destitute home owned by government or another recognized home. The order also states that out of 89 girls, 82 are above 18-years.
Petitioner in the case Paadam Narayanan, Director of Change India, told TOI that the girls need psychological counselling by a team from NIMHANS as suggested in interim judgement. He added that without counselling the girls will not be able to make an informed decision if they want to continue in the home or not.
The DNA tests of 32 girls matched with 31 parents and the results of nine girls are still awaited.