Kochi: The Kerala High Court has extended its interim order restraining the arrest of Farman Khan, husband of the young woman who became a viral sensation during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, in connection with an alleged abduction case registered against him in Madhya Pradesh.

The anticipatory bail plea filed by Khan has been adjourned to June 2. The court will also issue an order on that day regarding his application seeking amendments to the bail petition. Justice Kauser Edappagath extended the interim protection from arrest until then.

The Madhya Pradesh government had argued that the anticipatory bail petition was not maintainable before the Kerala High Court since the FIR was registered in Madhya Pradesh. In response, Khan sought to amend his petition, contending that he feared being attacked if he travelled to Madhya Pradesh.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, opposed the amendment plea. He informed the court that a case had also been registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The single bench then stated that it would pass an order on the amendment application on June 2.

The case was registered in Madhya Pradesh following a complaint filed by the young woman's father, alleging that she had been abducted. Farman Khan and the woman approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

In their plea, the couple stated that they were both involved in the film industry, had fallen in love, and were married in Kerala on March 11. They further said they were living together as husband and wife and sought protection from arrest.