The Kerala High Court has refused to extend transit anticipatory bail for Mohammed Farmaan Khan, the husband of social media personality Monalisa Bhosle. Citing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Priya Indoria case, the court ruled that it lacks jurisdiction to grant such relief, as the FIR against him was registered in Madhya Pradesh.
What Happened
The Kerala High Court on Friday denied a plea from Mohammed Farmaan Khan to extend his transit anticipatory bail. Khan, the husband of social media figure Monalisa Bhosle, had been granted temporary protection from arrest for one month by the court to allow him to approach the appropriate legal authorities in Madhya Pradesh. With that period ending, Khan’s legal team sought an extension, arguing for more time to file an appeal before the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Justice Kauser Edappagath rejected the request, ruling that the Kerala High Court does not have the jurisdiction to continue providing this relief. The court noted that it had already exercised its maximum authority in granting the initial temporary transit bail.
Why The Court Cited Jurisdiction
The decision centered on procedural boundaries established by the Supreme Court of India. Justice Edappagath referred to the judgment in Priya Indoria v. State of Karnataka, which dictates that applications for anticipatory bail must generally be filed in the specific court where the First Information Report (FIR) is registered.
The court clarified that exceptions to this rule are rare and require compelling evidence that necessitates approaching a court outside the jurisdiction of the registered FIR. Because these criteria were not met to the satisfaction of the court, the plea for an extension was dismissed.
The Background of the Case
The legal proceedings stem from a criminal case registered in Madhya Pradesh. Mohammed Farmaan Khan married Monalisa Bhosle—who gained social media attention for her videos selling beads during the 2025 Kumbh Mela—in Kerala on March 11, 2026.
Following the marriage, allegations arose regarding the validity of the union and the age of Monalisa Bhosle at the time of the event. Her father subsequently lodged a formal complaint alleging kidnapping. These allegations have led to criminal charges, including potential offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The matter remains a subject of ongoing legal scrutiny in the jurisdiction where the case was initially filed.
Legal Process Moving Forward
Following the dismissal of the plea in Kerala, the legal options for the accused now shift back to the jurisdiction where the FIR was filed. The case highlights the importance of jurisdictional norms in criminal law, specifically regarding how transit bail is handled by high courts. Parties involved in such matters must now navigate the legal system within the state where the case originated to seek further relief.