Kolkata, June 5, 2025
— The Calcutta High Court has granted interim bail to 22-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested last week over a controversial video related to ‘Operation Sindoor’. The court ruled that the complaint against her did not disclose any cognisable offence.
Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, presiding over the case, directed Panoli to furnish a bail bond of ₹10,000. The court also instructed her to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and prohibited her from leaving the country without prior permission. Additionally, acknowledging threats she received following the video’s circulation, the court ordered police protection for Panoli.
Panoli, a fourth-year law student from Pune, was arrested on May 31 from Gurugram, Haryana, after her video criticizing Bollywood celebrities for their silence on ‘Operation Sindoor’ went viral. The video was deemed to contain communal remarks, leading to multiple FIRs filed against her across West Bengal.
Initially, on June 3, the High Court had denied her bail, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not permit hurting religious sentiments. However, upon further review, the court granted interim bail, noting the absence of a cognisable offence in the complaint.
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Panoli’s legal counsel argued that her arrest was unwarranted, stating that she had deleted the video and issued a public apology. They also contended that the FIRs lacked substantial grounds, as her comments were directed at a Pakistani individual and not intended to incite communal discord.
The case has ignited a broader debate on the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of social media influencers in India. While some view the arrest as an infringement on freedom of expression, others believe it underscores the importance of maintaining communal harmony.
Panoli remains under judicial scrutiny as investigations continue. Her case highlights the complex interplay between digital expression and legal accountability in the age of social media.
