Kerala High Court restores police protection to Kumbh Mela fame Monalisa

The Kerala High Court has restored police protection to Monalisa, a woman who gained national attention for selling prayer beads at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. The court's decision comes after Monalisa informed it that she had approached the police and sought protection in writing, as directed earlier by the court. This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing concerns for Monalisa's safety following her marriage to actor Mohammed Farman Khan, which has been met with an online hate campaign, intimidation, and death threats.

The Kerala High Court's decision to restore police protection to Monalisa marks a critical development in her ongoing case. The court had initially granted her interim protection on June 20, observing that she was prima facie entitled to protection for her life. However, this protection was vacated on July 10 after the State informed the court of certain developments. The restoration of police protection is significant as it underscores the court's concern for Monalisa's safety and well-being.

The case revolves around Monalisa's marriage to actor Mohammed Farman Khan, which has been met with an online hate campaign, intimidation, and death threats. According to her, social media accounts have circulated abusive content against them, protests have been held in which photographs of the couple were burnt, and she has received messages threatening to shoot her for marrying a 'Pakistani.' The court's decision to grant interim police protection on June 20 was based on its observation that Monalisa was prima facie entitled to protection for her life. However, this protection was vacated on July 10 after the State informed the court of certain developments.

The restoration of police protection to Monalisa is a significant development in her ongoing case. It highlights the court's concern for her safety and well-being, particularly in light of the online hate campaign and intimidation she has faced. The court's decision also underscores the importance of protecting individuals who are subjected to such threats and harassment. However, the exact reasons behind the State's initial request to vacate the interim protection on July 10 are not clear from the available information. It is unclear what 'certain developments' the State informed the court about, which led to the vacating of the protection.

The restoration of police protection to Monalisa marks a critical development in her ongoing case. Practitioners should take note of this decision as it highlights the importance of protecting individuals who are subjected to online hate campaigns and intimidation. The court's concern for Monalisa's safety and well-being is evident, and this decision serves as a reminder of the need for robust measures to protect individuals from such threats.