Kochi, June 20: The Kerala High Court has directed the police to ensure the safety of Monalisa, a young woman who went viral during the Kumbh Mela. The court issued this order following a petition filed by Monalisa, instructing the Station House Officer of the Central Police Station to provide necessary security.
Monalisa informed the court that her life is in danger in her home state of Madhya Pradesh. She expressed concerns that if she returns, she could be a victim of an honor killing. Monalisa asserted her right to make decisions about her future, stating that she is an adult. However, the Madhya Pradesh government contested her claim, arguing that she is still a minor.
The controversy surrounding Monalisa began when she got married on March 11 at the Sri Nainar Devi Temple in Arumanur, Thiruvananthapuram, during the Kumbh Mela. Disputes arose regarding her age at the time of marriage. An investigation by the National Scheduled Tribes Commission revealed that she was only 16 years old when she married, citing a birth certificate issued by Maheshwar Government Hospital that lists her birth date as December 30, 2009.
In contrast, documents presented to the Thiruvananthapuram police indicated her birth date as January 1, 2008, suggesting she was of legal age. The commission has alleged that the birth certificate submitted by the girl was fraudulent.
The case gained media attention after Monalisa’s social media presence during the Kumbh Mela. The ensuing debate over her age and the validity of her marriage escalated into a legal battle between officials in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
With the High Court’s recent directive for her protection, police officials have been tasked with ensuring her safety while investigations into her age, marriage, and threats continue.
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