'It Is Fortunate That You Currently Reside in Kerala': Keralam High Court to Monalisa Bhosle, Husband

Kochi: The Keralam High Court has reserved its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by social media personality Monalisa Bhosle and her husband, Mohammed Farman Khan, in connection with a criminal case registered in Madhya Pradesh. Justice Kausar Edappagath indicated that the court may pronounce its order on the plea on Wednesday.

During the hearing, the court observed that the couple was fortunate to be currently residing in Keralam, referring to the threats they allegedly face in parts of Madhya Pradesh due to their interfaith marriage.

Appearing for the couple, advocate M Sasindran argued that religious fundamentalist groups and state authorities in Madhya Pradesh were attempting to target the couple by falsely claiming that Monalisa was a minor at the time of her marriage. He told the court that she had already attained the age of 18 when the marriage took place.

The counsel further alleged that, after the marriage became controversial, authorities withdrew Monalisa’s official birth certificate in an attempt to portray her as a minor. According to him, state machinery was being misused and the administration, along with extremist groups, had effectively joined forces against the petitioners.

Responding to these submissions, Justice Edappagath remarked, “You are fortunate to be in Keralam.” The couple’s counsel replied that being in Keralam was the reason they were still safe.

On behalf of the Madhya Pradesh government, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju argued that the marriage was invalid because it had been conducted in a Hindu temple while Farman Khan is a Muslim. He also contended that Monalisa had not attained the legal age for marriage at the time of the ceremony.

However, the court noted that the woman herself had not made any complaint against her husband, and observed that the government's allegations did not appear convincing in that context.

The High Court is expected to issue its final order on the anticipatory bail application on Friday.