Interfaith marriage row: Minor girl case filed against husband after probe

New Delhi : An interfaith marriage involving social media personality Monalisa Bhonsle has landed in legal trouble after investigators found that she was a minor at the time of her wedding. The development has triggered a criminal case against her husband, Farman Khan, under multiple legal provisions.

Monalisa had gained nationwide attention last year after her photograph from the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela went viral, making her an overnight internet sensation. Recently, reports of her marriage to Farman Khan in Kerala sparked widespread debate on social media, with discussions ranging from interfaith relationships to allegations surrounding the nature of the marriage.

However, the case took a serious turn after a detailed investigation revealed that Monalisa was under 18 at the time of her wedding. Based on these findings, Khargone police in Madhya Pradesh registered a case against Farman Khan under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with sections related to criminal conspiracy and illegal marriage under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additional provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked.

According to officials, the inquiry was conducted following complaints and growing public scrutiny. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes carried out a detailed probe across Madhya Pradesh and Kerala to verify the circumstances of the marriage, including the age of the girl.

Authorities stated that hospital records from Maheshwar confirmed Monalisa’s date of birth as December 30, 2009. This means she was only 16 years old when the marriage reportedly took place on March 11, 2026.

Investigators have also alleged that forged documents were used during the marriage registration process in Kerala. “A fake birth certificate was produced to portray the girl as a major,” an  officer said, adding that the act appeared to be a deliberate attempt to bypass legal requirements.

The case has also drawn attention due to allegations made in public discourse, including claims branding the relationship under controversial narratives. However, officials have maintained that the investigation is focused strictly on legal violations, particularly those related to child protection and fraudulent documentation.

Meanwhile, the girl’s family has appealed to authorities for assistance in bringing her back home safely. The case continues to be under investigation, and further legal action will depend on the findings of ongoing inquiries.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns around child marriage, misuse of documents, and the role of social media in amplifying sensitive personal matters into national controversies.