Sharmistha Panoli Granted Interim Bail Amidst Public Outcry
- Ikrant Sharma
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
By:- Uditi Sachdeva

Who is Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year‑old law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, who also gained attention as a social media influencer.Known for outspoken online content, especially a controversial video referred to as related to “Operation Sindoor,” she uploaded remarks that allegedly hurt religious sentiments.
Chronology of Events
1. May 15, 2025 – A video shared by Sharmistha sparked widespread criticism over alleged communal remarks, prompting her to delete it and issue an apology. An FIR was filed at Garden Reach Police Station (Kolkata).
2. May 17, 2025 – Arrest warrants were issued; Kolkata police arrested her from Gurugram on May 30–31.
3. June 3, 2025 – The Calcutta High Court refused interim bail, making the point that “free speech doesn’t mean hurting religious sentiments”—citing diversity and communal harmony.
4. June 5–6, 2025 – The Calcutta High Court granted her interim bail, citing her age, health concerns, and seized devices. Conditions include surrendering her passport, providing a ₹10,000 bond, cooperating with the investigation, and receiving police protection due to credible threats.
Health & Personal Safety
Sharmistha deals with ADHD and kidney stones—these conditions worsened during jail custody without her medications. On bail, she resumed treatment under medical advice. Her father disclosed the family had urged removal of her controversial content before her arrest. Post-release, he expressed relief but also lingering concerns over death/rape threats they’ve endured.
Court’s Guidance & Ongoing Investigation
The bench stressed protections for her given her “tender age,” seized electronic evidence, and lack of need for further custodial interrogation. The court directed Kolkata Police to provide her with safety and report progress in the next hearing. As of June 5 bail order, her primary FIR in Kolkata is the principal case; the court barred multiple FIRs in this matter.
What’s Next?
Legal: She must comply with bail conditions and await further court proceedings. The investigation, including the case diary, will resume under Kolkata police.
Academic: Sharmistha reportedly missed university exams due to arrest; her family plans to request permission for re‑examination.
Personal: She has taken a voluntary break from social media, focusing on health and degree, and pledging more caution in future content.
Broader Implications
Free speech vs. communal harmony: HC’s early refusal of bail underscores courts’ caution in balancing expression with religious respect.
Mental health in custody: Her medication lapse underscores systemic concerns regarding prisoner health and welfare.
Online accountability: Her parents’ acknowledgment of her non-compliant posts reflects growing scrutiny on digital influence and speech.
Conclusion
Sharmistha Panoli’s case intersects the turbulence of social media, legal responsibility, mental health, and constitutional free speech. On bail since early June, she is under court-ordered restrictions, legal scrutiny, and police protection. Now off social media, with restored medical care and pending university matters, her focus has shifted to rebuilding her academic and personal life—with the larger legal outcome yet to unfold.
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