A marriage in Kerala, once celebrated for its social inclusivity, is now facing legal and political scrutiny due to allegations that the bride, Monalisa Bhosle, was a minor. The groom, Farman Khan, is now facing a POCSO case filed by the Madhya Pradesh Police after an enquiry by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes revealed that Monalisa was only 16 at the time of their marriage.
The Commission has accused the creation of a fake birth certificate to enable the wedding and has summoned the DGPs of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to Delhi on April 22. The wedding, which took place at a temple in Poovar near Thiruvananthapuram, amidst police protection and political attention, is now overshadowed by the controversy.
The presence of top CPI(M) leadership at the wedding, including State secretary M.V. Govindan and State Education Minister V. Sivankutty, had initially hailed the marriage as a symbol of Kerala’s progressive values. However, the revelation of Monalisa’s minor status has raised concerns about the circumstances of the marriage and the political support it received.
Monalisa, from Indore, and Farman Khan from Maharashtra, had chosen Kerala for their interfaith relationship, seeking acceptance. The situation has now turned into a legal battle, questioning the events leading to the marriage and the authorities’ roles, challenging the initial narrative of personal freedom.
