The Kerala High Court on Friday, 10 July vacated its interim order granting police protection to Monalisa Bhosle — widely known as the Viral Kumbh Mela Star — after the State informed the court that officers had been unable to locate her using the address and contact details provided in her petition.

What the Court Decided

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas withdrew the interim protection order, originally issued on 19 June, after the Government Pleader submitted that repeated attempts to contact Monalisa had failed. The court clarified, however, that if Monalisa approaches the police in writing seeking protection, authorities are obligated to provide the necessary security. The matter has been posted for further hearing on 21 July.

What the State Told the Court

'The police wanted to provide protection, but the petitioner could not be traced. This has become a regular pattern. Every time she approaches the court seeking police protection, the police are unable to contact her,' the Government Pleader submitted. Monalisa's own counsel told the court he had received no instructions from his client regarding the State's submissions — a development the court took on record before passing its order.

Background: Who Is Monalisa Bhosle

Monalisa rose to national prominence during the Maha Kumbh Mela after videos of her selling rudraksha garlands went viral on social media, earning her the tag of Viral Kumbh Mela Star. She subsequently married Mohammed Farmaan, a Muslim, and alleged that the attention brought a wave of hate campaigns against her on mainstream and social media platforms. Earlier this year, while in Kerala for a film shoot, she sought police assistance, claiming her family opposed the marriage.

A Legal Battle Across Two States

The couple's legal proceedings have grown increasingly complex. Monalisa's father lodged a complaint in Madhya Pradesh alleging that Farmaan had abducted her, prompting the couple to move the Kerala High Court. The court had earlier granted Farmaan one month's transit anticipatory bail to seek regular relief before competent courts in Madhya Pradesh. The couple has also approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, alleging that Monalisa's birth certificate was forged to falsely invoke provisions of the POCSO Act against Farmaan.

That legal avenue also hit a wall last week, when the Kerala High Court declined to extend Farmaan's transit anticipatory bail after a POCSO court in Madhya Pradesh rejected his anticipatory bail plea — leaving the couple's fight spread across courts in two states simultaneously.

What Happens Next

The Kerala High Court's next hearing is scheduled for 21 July. Farmaan's legal position remains precarious following the Madhya Pradesh court's rejection, and the couple's options for relief are narrowing. Whether Monalisa formally approaches the police in writing — as the court has now directed — will be a key development to watch.