“Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway” is a Hindi film directed by Ashima Chibber and released on 17 March 2023. The movie portrays the story of a mother, played by Rani Mukerji, who fights against Norway’s child protection services to retain custody of her child.
The film is based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty, who faced a similar legal battle. In this article, we will delve into the life of Sagarika Chakraborty, the legal battle she faced, and the impact of the movie on public perception.
Sagarika Chakraborty: Early Life and Career
Sagarika Chakraborty was born and brought up in Kolkata, India. She completed her schooling and college education in Kolkata before moving to Norway in 2007. Sagarika Chakraborty had a degree in Hotel Management and worked in the hospitality industry in India before moving to Norway.
In Norway, she worked as a teacher in a local school and was known for her love for teaching and dedication to her students.
Sagarika Chakraborty Legal Battle
In 2011, Sagarika Chakraborty’s life took a dramatic turn when Norway’s child protection services, known as Barnevernet, took custody of her son, Abhigyan. The reason for the custody was stated as “emotional disconnect” between Sagarika Chakraborty and her child.
Sagarika Chakraborty was devastated by the decision and fought a legal battle for three years to regain custody of her son. She claimed that the Norwegian authorities had misinterpreted cultural differences and practices, which led to the custody dispute.
Norway’s Child Protection Services
Barnevernet is Norway’s child protection services, which is responsible for ensuring the well-being of children in the country. However, the organization has faced criticism for its handling of certain cases, including Sagarika Chakraborty’s.
Critics have accused Barnevernet of being too aggressive in taking children away from their families and not respecting cultural differences. The organization has also faced accusations of violating human rights in its treatment of families.
The Movie “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway”
“Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway” is a fictionalized retelling of Sagarika Chakraborty’s legal battle. The movie’s plot follows the story of a mother, Sujata Chatterjee, who fights against Norway’s child protection services to regain custody of her child.
The movie has been well-received by audiences and critics alike for its powerful portrayal of a mother’s love and the fight for justice. Rani Mukerji plays the role of Sujata Chatterjee in the movie and has been praised for her performance.
Mukerji’s portrayal of the character has humanized the issue and shed light on the plight of families who face similar legal battles. The movie has also raised awareness about the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in child protection services.
Public Response To “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway”
Sagarika Chakraborty‘s legal battle and the movie have received widespread attention in India and around the world. The public has been vocal in their support for Sagarika Chakraborty and her fight for justice. Many have criticized Norway’s child protection services for their handling of the case and the impact it has had on Sagarika Chakraborty and her family.
The movie has also sparked a conversation about the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in child protection services.
Sagarika Chakraborty Custody Battles
Sagarika Chakraborty, a mother who faced a harrowing ordeal in Norway, had her world turned upside down when her children were taken away from her by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services, also known as Barnevernet, in 2011.
Chakraborty, who had moved to Norway with her husband, Anurup Bhattacharya, and their son Abhigyaan in 2007, had her life forever changed when her son was diagnosed with autism and subsequently placed in a family kindergarten in 2010.
In what can only be described as a tragedy, Barnevernet accused the couple of “improper parenting,” leading to the removal of their children from their custody. The allegations ranged from sleeping in the same bed as their children, hand feeding, and corporal punishment, all of which were considered normal in the Indian cultural context, but unacceptable in Norway.
It is important to note that Norway has very strict laws governing child welfare, which are enforced universally, irrespective of cultural differences.
What followed was a long and grueling battle for custody, with Norwegian authorities even claiming that Chakraborty was “mentally unfit” to raise her two children. The case gained international attention and was widely covered in both Norwegian and Indian media, with many condemning Barnevernet’s actions as “state-sponsored kidnapping.”
Activists from Human Rights Alert Norway criticized the child welfare system, citing the impunity with which Barnevernet acts, and how they often accuse one of the parents of having a mental problem to strengthen their case.
Sagarika Chakraborty Autobiography, “The Journey of a Mother,”
Diplomatic pressure increased, and after lengthy negotiations, the children’s custody was awarded to their paternal uncle, Arunabhas Bhattacharya, back in India. However, the battle for custody was not over for Chakraborty, as she faced another legal challenge in India.
She approached the Burdwan Child Welfare Committee, which ruled in her favor, but the police did not enforce the verdict, leaving the children with their uncle and grandfather.
Eventually, in January 2013, Justice Dipankar Dutta of the Calcutta High Court ruled that Chakraborty should get custody of her children, while allowing her brother-in-law and father-in-law to have visitation privileges.
Chakraborty’s story has been chronicled in her autobiography, “The Journey of a Mother,” published in 2022. It has also been adapted into a film, with Rani Mukerji portraying Chakraborty’s character, bringing her harrowing experience to a wider audience.
Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding cultural differences and the need for a balanced approach to child welfare, one that takes into account both the child’s well-being and the family’s cultural values.
