Free speech Row: Calcutta High Court denies bail to Panoli

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court denied interim bail to influencer and law student Sharmista Panoli, noting that freedom of speech is not absolute and does not allow for the offense of religious sentiments.

HC Emphasized the nation’s diversity

The High Court emphasized the nation’s diversity and observed that her statements had offended the feelings of a part of the populace. The 22-year-old law student created a video that was reportedly offensive, aiming at individuals based on their religious identity regarding Operation Sindoor. She expressed regret for the remarks and removed the video following criticism.

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“Sentiments of a section of the people of our country have been hurt. We have freedom of speech, but that does not mean you hurt the sentiments of others. Our country is full of diversity,” the High Court said.

Panoli, a Symbiosis Law School student in Pune with almost 2 lakh social media followers, was apprehended in Gurugram on May 30, and a Kolkata court placed her in 14 days of judicial custody.

Free Speech Row

Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Pune, was detained by Kolkata Police in Gurugram on Friday for reportedly offending religious feelings with a video regarding Operation Sindoor.

The viral Instagram video on social media was said to be offensive towards a specific religion and resulted in significant backlash.

In response to the criticism, Panoli removed the contentious videos and expressed regret for her comments. She was apprehended by Kolkata police in Gurugram afterward.