Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, April 11, IPU Media Update News : Monalisa Bhosle a young tribal woman who rose to fame at the Kumbh Mela and became an overnight social media sensation has now found herself embroiled in a serious controversy. Her love marriage has landed in legal trouble, making the incident a subject of nationwide discussion. Hailing from the Maheshwar town area of ​​Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh, Monalisa Bhosle went viral on social media for her natural beauty; her newfound popularity even led to offers in the film industry. It was during this period that she met Farman Khan; their acquaintance blossomed into love and eventually culminated in marriage. Facing opposition from both their families, the couple tied the knot on March 11 at a temple located in the Poovar region of Kerala. However, doubts regarding the legal validity of this marriage soon surfaced. Alleging that this was not a spontaneous love marriage but rather a premeditated act specifically labeling it a case of “Love Jihad” and further claiming that leaders from the CPM in Kerala and members of the Popular Front of India had facilitated the union, an advocate named Pratham Dubey brought this matter to the attention of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). Taking into consideration the allegations made by Pratham Dubey, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) intervened, initiated an investigation, and commenced formal proceedings.

★ Monalisa Bhosle’s Actual Age Comes to Light :

The truth of the matter has now emerged during the NCST’s inquiry. According to the records of the Government Hospital in Maheshwar (a town in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh), it was revealed that Monalisa was born on December 30, 2009. This means that, by the time her marriage took place in March 2026, she was merely 16 years old.

★ Monalisa Bhosle Did Not Meet the Minimum Legal Age for Marriage — Hence the Marriage Became a Controversy :

The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 clearly stipulates that the minimum age for marriage is 21 years for men and 18 years for women. Marrying at an age younger than this is illegal. Since Monalisa Bhosle did not meet the legal age requirement for marriage, the police have registered a case against her husband, Farman Khan, under the POCSO Act. Consequently, this case has taken a much more serious turn. Another sensational detail has also surfaced during the investigation: it was revealed that fake certificates were created altering Monalisa’s date of birth specifically to facilitate the marriage. Officials discovered that the wedding was solemnized at a temple in Kerala based on these fraudulent certificates, which falsely indicated that she was born in 2008. Suspicions are now being raised regarding the involvement of certain organizations in this affair.

★ NCST cracked this case, which spanned from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh within 72 hours.

The investigative team successfully brought this complex case which spanned from Kerala all the way to Madhya Pradesh to a resolution in just 72 hours. Officials have issued orders to cancel the new birth certificate that was previously issued by the Maheshwar Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, with Monalisa’s parents submitting their caste certificates, it has been conclusively proven that she belongs to a Scheduled Tribe. Consequently, Farman Khan is now facing severe legal repercussions for marrying a minor girl using fraudulent documentation.

A case has been registered against Farman Khan under the POCSO Act at the Maheshwar Police Station (Khargone District) in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, charges have been leveled against him under the BNS Act specifically sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy and unlawful marriage as well as under the SC/ST Act. Given that the case has been registered under the POCSO Act, there is a strong likelihood that strict punitive action will be taken against him. Everyone had believed that the popularity Monalisa garnered on social media during a Kumbh Mela would transform her life for the better; instead, an unlawful marriage has thrust her into the center of a controversy. This case serves as yet another reminder that no one is above the law. It now remains to be seen what turn this case will take as it proceeds through the courts.

— M Venkata R. Reddy