The Kerala High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Monalisa Bhosle and her husband Farmaan Khan amid kidnapping allegations. The couple strongly denied claims of underage marriage, stating Monalisa is 18 and their marriage is legal.
The Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Mohd Farmaan Khan, husband of Kumbh Mela viral personality Monalisa Bhosle, in connection with a kidnapping case. The case stems from allegations that Monalisa is a minor and was abducted by Farmaan.
In the matter titled Moh Farmaan & Anr v State of Kerala & Ors, the couple approached the Court seeking anticipatory bail and protection from possible arrest. They argued that Monalisa had already turned 18 years old in January 2026 and was legally an adult at the time of their marriage in March.
According to their petition, they feared arrest due to a kidnapping case allegedly registered in Madhya Pradesh based on a complaint filed by Monalisa’s father. To counter these claims, the couple submitted official documents including their marriage certificate, Monalisa’s birth certificate, and Aadhaar card to establish her age and the legality of their marriage.
On March 23, Justice Kauser Edappagath passed an interim order granting them protection from arrest after taking note of the documents presented and their claim of 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,”
Later, on April 8, the Court extended this interim protection until May 20, the next date of hearing. This extension was granted after the Senior Public Prosecutor informed the Court that a response from the Madhya Pradesh Police was still awaited.
Monalisa Bhosle gained widespread attention during the 2025 Kumbh Mela after videos of her selling beads went viral on social media, making her an internet sensation. She later married Farmaan Khan on March 11 in Kerala, an event that received significant media coverage. The couple stated that they met during the shooting of a Malayalam film, fell in love, and eventually got married.
However, their interfaith marriage sparked controversy, with some groups alleging that Monalisa is only 16 years old and therefore not legally eligible for marriage. These claims also triggered concerns about the possible application of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and led to an inquiry reportedly initiated by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
The couple has also stated in their plea that Monalisa’s family had initially consented to the marriage but later opposed it, allegedly due to the influence of a relative.
Representing Monalisa and Farmaan, advocates M Sasindran, Satheeshan Alakkadan, and Mrinal Chand M argued for legal protection, emphasizing that both individuals are adults and their marriage is valid under law.
As the matter now awaits further hearing on May 20, the case raises important legal questions regarding age verification, consent, interfaith marriages, and the misuse of kidnapping allegations in matrimonial disputes.
Case Title:
Moh Farmaan & anr v State of Kerala & ors
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