The Kerala High Court on Tuesday restored the interim police protection granted to Monalisa, who rose to national prominence after videos of her selling prayer beads during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela went viral.

The bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the order after Monalisa informed the Court that she had complied with its earlier direction by submitting a written request for protection to the police.

Observing that the requirement had now been fulfilled, the Court said, "Since the petitioner has now approached the police, the interim order directing grant of police protection shall continue."

The Court also impleaded the Station House Officer (SHO) of Palarivattom Police Station as a respondent and directed the authorities to continue providing adequate security to Monalisa.

Monalisa had moved the High Court claiming that she and her husband, actor Mohammed Farman Khan, had been facing threats following their inter-faith marriage. She alleged that the couple became targets of an online hate campaign, intimidation and death threats, with abusive content circulating on social media. She also claimed that protesters burnt photographs of the couple and that she received messages threatening to shoot her for marrying a "Pakistani."

Earlier, on June 20, the High Court had granted her interim police protection after finding, prima facie, that her life required safeguarding.

However, the protection was withdrawn on July 10 after the State informed the Court that the police were unable to trace Monalisa and therefore could not provide security. While vacating the order, the Court clarified that she could seek fresh protection by approaching the jurisdictional police station with a written request.

During Tuesday's hearing, Monalisa's counsel informed the Court that she had complied with this direction.

The State, through the government pleader, submitted that the police had identified her residence and shared the contact details of a woman Assistant Sub-Inspector with her to ensure immediate assistance whenever needed.

Taking note of these developments, the Court directed that the interim police protection should continue