The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted interim bail to social media influencer and law student Sharmishta Panoli, who was arrested for allegedly posting a communal video that hurt religious sentiments. Panoli, 22, was taken into custody by Kolkata Police from Gurugram last week following widespread backlash over a now-deleted video criticizing Bollywood celebrities for their silence on Operation Sindoor, a military operation after a terror attack in Pahalgam.
The court directed Panoli to furnish a bail bond of Rs 10,000 and imposed conditions including a prohibition on leaving the country without prior permission from the Chief Judicial Magistrate. The bench also ordered police protection for Panoli after she reported receiving threats due to her social media posts.
Cal HC grants interim bail to influencer Sharmistha Panoli, arrested for allegedly posting video on social media with communal comments
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2025
Her legal team argued that the case involved free speech, noting that Panoli had removed the controversial video and issued an apology. The court also instructed authorities not to register any fresh FIRs on the same cause of action. Panoli’s arrest sparked significant public and political debate, with critics calling it a selective enforcement of the law.
As the case proceeds, Panoli is expected to cooperate with the investigation and attend all hearings. This interim bail marks a crucial development in the sensitive case involving social media, communal harmony, and freedom of expression.
