The Kerala High Court on Friday officially withdrew its interim order that had previously granted police protection to Monalisa Bhosale, who gained prominence during the Kumbh Mela. The state government informed the court that the police were completely unable to locate her, despite using the address and contact details provided in the legal petition. The court has scheduled the next hearing for this matter on July 21.
Reasons for the police failure to locate her
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas presided over the proceedings where the state government counsel explained the situation. The court was informed that police made several attempts to contact Monalisa, all of which were unsuccessful. According to the state government, despite their efforts to comply with the court's directive to provide security, officials could not find the petitioner. The government lawyer told the court that while the police intended to provide protection, they could not establish communication. This has become a recurring issue, as the police report being unable to reach her every time she approaches the court seeking security assistance.
The court's decision to withdraw the order
Monalisa's counsel admitted to the court that they had not received any instructions from their client regarding the state government's submissions. Consequently, the court revoked its interim order issued on June 19. However, the bench clarified that if Monalisa submits a written request to the police for security, the authorities will then be obligated to provide the necessary protection as required by law.
Background of the controversy
Monalisa had approached the Kerala High Court claiming that following her marriage to a Muslim man named Mohammad Farman, she was being targeted by hate campaigns across mainstream media and various social media platforms. She first rose to national fame when videos of her selling Rudraksha beads during the Mahakumbh went viral online. She later traveled to Kerala and married Farman, a move that was met with strong opposition from her family members.
Legal complications and kidnapping allegations
The situation escalated when Monalisa's father filed a complaint in Madhya Pradesh, alleging that Farman had kidnapped his daughter. Following this, the couple sought relief from the Kerala High Court. The court had previously granted Farman a one-month transit anticipatory bail, intended to allow him to seek regular relief from the competent courts in Madhya Pradesh. However, just last week, the Kerala High Court refused to extend this transit anticipatory bail period, leading to the current legal impasse.
