The Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Mohd Farmaan Khan, husband of Kumbh Mela viral personality Monalisa in connection with a kidnapping case arising out of allegations that Monalisa is a minor and was abducted, as reported in LawChakra.
The matter, titled Moh Farmaan & Anr v State of Kerala & Ors, came before the Court on a plea seeking anticipatory bail and protection from possible arrest. The couple contended that Monalisa had already attained the age of 18 in January 2026 and was legally an adult at the time of their marriage in March.
According to their petition, they apprehended arrest in connection with a kidnapping case allegedly registered in Madhya Pradesh based on a complaint filed by Monalisa’s father. To rebut the allegation that she is a minor, the couple submitted documentary proof including their marriage certificate, Monalisa’s birth certificate, and Aadhaar card to establish her age and the legality of their marriage.
On 23 March 2026, Justice Kauser Edappagath passed an interim order granting protection from arrest, taking note of the documents and the couple’s claim that they were living together as husband and wife.
The Court observed, “Annexure AIII would show that the applicants got married on 11.03.2026. According to the applicants, they are now residing as husband and wife. In these circumstances, there shall be an order not to arrest the applicants till the next posting date.”
Subsequently, on 8 April 2026, the Court extended this interim protection until 20 May 2026, the next date of hearing, after the Senior Public Prosecutor informed the Court that a response from the Madhya Pradesh Police was still awaited.
Monalisa Bhosle had gained widespread attention during the Kumbh Mela 2025 after videos of her selling beads went viral on social media, turning her into an internet sensation. She later married Farmaan Khan on March 11 in Kerala, an event that drew significant media coverage. The couple stated that they met during the shooting of a Malayalam film, developed a relationship, and eventually got married.
However, the interfaith marriage soon became the subject of controversy, with certain groups alleging that Monalisa is only 16 years old and therefore not legally eligible for marriage. These claims triggered concerns regarding the possible invocation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and led to an inquiry reportedly initiated by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
In their plea, the couple further stated that Monalisa’s family had initially consented to the marriage but later opposed it, allegedly due to the influence of a relative.
Appearing for the couple, advocates M Sasindran, Satheeshan Alakkadan, and Mrinal Chand M argued that both individuals are adults and entitled to legal protection, asserting that the marriage is valid under law.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
