SC directs Centre to obtain one-time visa for Balaz twins

The twin children of the German couple, Jan Balaz and Susanne Lohle, born to a surrogate Indian mother, might finally have a chance at leaving their birthplace and living with their parents. The Centre, on Monday, assured the Supreme Court that it would try to get the two-year-olds a one-time visa to Germany.  

The possible solution was considered after the children's father, Jan Balaz, assured the apex court that he would deposit his passport with the Indian embassy in Germany and also submit periodical reports on the children's progress, through an accredited German agency. Also, in case of any wrong doing by the couple, the Indian government could always bring the children back, since the two countries have an extradition treaty, he submitted. Suitably convinced, Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam assured the apex court that the government would discuss the matter of the visas with the German authorities within a week. The matter has been posted to January 18 for further hearing. That would give the government time to talk to their German counterparts, Balaz's counsel Nikhil Goel told Bar & Bench.