Who is Sharmistha Panoli and Why Was She Arrested?
Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, was arrested on May 24, 2025, for allegedly posting a video on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) containing offensive remarks about Prophet Mohammad. The video, which quickly went viral, triggered public outrage and led to the filing of an FIR under sections related to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between groups.
Calcutta High Court Denies Interim Relief to Sharmistha Panoli
On June 3, 2025, the Calcutta High Court refused to grant interim relief to Sharmistha Panoli. Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, who presided over the case, stressed the importance of being cautious when expressing views on public platforms.
“We have freedom of speech, but that doesn’t mean you will go on to hurt others… We must be cautious in a diverse country like India,” the judge observed during the hearing.
The court has now directed the state to produce the full case diary during the next hearing, which will take place before the vacation bench.
Legal Arguments: A Case of Unlawful Arrest?
Panoli’s legal counsel contended that the arrest was unlawful. They argued that the offenses listed in the FIR were non-cognizable under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), and as such, a notice should have been issued before taking her into custody. The state, however, maintained that several attempts to serve notice were unsuccessful as Sharmistha Panoli and her family had moved to Gurugram.
She was eventually arrested in Gurugram, produced before a magistrate, and granted a three-day transit remand before being brought to Kolkata.
What Happens Next for Sharmistha Panoli?
As of now, Sharmistha Panoli remains in judicial custody. The High Court has not provided interim relief, and the matter will proceed with further hearings. The next hearing will be crucial as the state is expected to present the case diary for judicial review.
Public Reaction and Social Media Debate
The case has reignited debates around the limits of free speech and the responsibility of social media users in a multicultural nation. While some view the arrest of Sharmistha Panoli as justified due to the sensitive nature of the content, others argue it raises concerns about the criminalization of online speech.
Conclusion
The legal journey of Sharmistha Panoli is far from over. As the case develops, it continues to serve as a reminder of the fine line between free speech and hate speech in India’s digital landscape.
Read more: Indian BrahMos Missile Strikes Confirmed by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif
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Sharmistha Panoli Denied Interim Relief by Calcutta High Court in Offensive Video Case
Who is Sharmistha Panoli and Why Was She Arrested? Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, was arrested on May 24, 2025, for allegedly posting a video on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) containing offensive remarks about Prophet Mohammad. The video, which quickly went viral, triggered public outrage and led to the filing of an FIR under sections related to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between groups. Calcutta High Court Denies Interim Relief to Sharmistha Panoli On June 3, 2025, the Calcutta High Court refused to grant interim relief to Sharmistha Panoli. Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, who presided over the case, stressed the importance of being cautious when expressing views on public platforms. “We have freedom of speech, but that doesn’t mean you will go on to hurt others… We must be cautious in a […]
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