Overview
- A Special POCSO Court in Mandleshwar rejected Mohammad Farman’s anticipatory bail on July 1, citing an incomplete investigation, a pending statement from the woman and police claims that the accused tried to influence evidence.
- The Kerala High Court refused on July 2 to extend the one‑month transit anticipatory bail it had granted on June 3, saying its role was limited and directing Farman to approach the courts in Madhya Pradesh for further relief.
- The criminal case was filed in Madhya Pradesh by the woman’s father and charges include offences under the POCSO Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The prosecution relies on NCST findings and an original birth register that place the woman’s birth in December 2009, while the defence counters with a later birth registration and says the marriage was voluntary; prosecutors allege the later certificate may be forged.
- With short‑term legal protection removed, the next steps are Farman’s appeal to the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the completion of forensic and witness procedures that will determine the disputed age and documentary authenticity.