Kerala High Court Questions NCST’s Authority on Monalisa Bhosle’s Custody
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought clarity over the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes’ (NCST) directive instructing the Kerala Police to transfer Monalisa Bhosle, a notable figure from the Kumbh Mela, to the Madhya Pradesh Police. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas raised significant questions regarding the NCST’s jurisdiction in issuing such orders. “What grants this National Commission the right to pass any orders? How is it possible for the National Commission to issue such a direction?” queried Justice Thomas.
In response, the court issued an interim order preventing Bhosle’s transfer to the Madhya Pradesh Police without its explicit permission. This ruling will hold until a final verdict is reached concerning Bhosle’s plea for police protection. “The first respondent (State authority) is instructed to ensure that the jurisdictional police officer, including the Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, under whose jurisdiction the petitioner (Monalisa Bhosle) resides, guarantees that she is not removed from the jurisdictional limits without the court’s orders and against her will until the writ petition is resolved,” stated the court.
The court’s decision followed an initial assessment that found merit in Bhosle’s claims of facing life threats due to her interfaith marriage. Justice Thomas emphasized the need for immediate police intervention if Bhosle’s life is endangered. “If any urgent action is required, the petitioner should contact the designated woman protection officer for her safety. Upon such notification, immediate and adequate protection must be provided,” the court added.
Monalisa Bhosle became a national sensation after videos of her selling prayer beads at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela circulated widely. Earlier this year, she sought protection from the Kerala High Court, citing threats following her marriage to actor Mohammed Farman Khan. The marriage, which occurred in Kerala, sparked controversy over allegations that Bhosle was a minor at the time. Both Bhosle and Khan have consistently denied these claims, affirming that she was 18 years old when they wed.
Previously, on June 20, the High Court granted Monalisa interim police protection, which lapsed on July 10 when the state reported difficulties in locating her. Nonetheless, the court advised that if Bhosle requested protection in writing from the appropriate police station, it should be provided. Bhosle later approached the police, resulting in the court reinstating her protection on July 21.
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Recent developments included a letter from the Kerala police to the court’s registry, highlighting NCST’s instructions to transfer Bhosle to Madhya Pradesh. The letter, a response to a social worker’s petition concerning Bhosle’s age at marriage, also sought her birth records from the court files. Justice Thomas criticized the manner of this communication, emphasizing that such matters should be directly addressed to the court through the Government Pleader. “How dare the officer write such a letter? This should have been brought to the court’s notice,” remarked Justice Thomas.
Bhosle’s legal representative reiterated the ongoing threats to her life, arguing that any forced return to Madhya Pradesh could result in an honor killing. Furthermore, it was noted that Bhosle had not received any formal NCST order. Her counsel reaffirmed that she was 18 years and three months old during her marriage, a fact verified by a Madhya Pradesh court. The cancellation of her original birth certificate, which substantiated her age, is currently being contested in the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
The Kerala High Court, recognizing the credibility of Bhosle’s claims, instructed continued protection for her and mandated that she should not be transferred without explicit court orders.
