Calcutta HC Denies Bail to Sharmistha Panoli in Operation Sindoor Case
The Calcutta High Court has refused interim bail to 22-year-old law student and influencer Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested for her controversial remarks linked to Operation Sindoor. The case has stirred national attention, as it now sits at the intersection of free speech, religion, and judicial restraint.
Court Upholds Limits on Free Speech
During the hearing, Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee stressed that the right to freedom of speech, though fundamental, must not infringe on the rights and sentiments of others. “You cannot hurt the sentiments of people in the name of free speech,” he observed. The court also clarified that no new FIRs should be filed against Panoli for the same incident.
Arrest Without Notice Challenged
Panoli’s counsel argued that the arrest violated the procedures under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), claiming that the alleged offences were non-cognisable and no prior notice was served. The police, however, stated that they had issued notices, but Panoli and her family could not be traced as they had moved to Gurugram.
She was arrested on May 30 and sent to 14-day judicial custody, prompting her legal team to file for relief on both legal and humanitarian grounds.
Health and Safety Concerns Raised
In court, Panoli’s lawyer informed the bench that she is suffering from kidney stones and is enduring poor hygiene and safety conditions in jail. Alarming reports emerged that she has received death threats from fellow inmates. Her legal team has urged the court to provide security for her while in custody.
Wider Debate on Speech and Accountability
Panoli’s arrest and the court’s observations have ignited a nationwide debate on how India navigates the balance between safeguarding free expression and maintaining communal harmony. With the next hearing set for June 5, the case continues to raise difficult questions about speech, dissent, and judicial fairness in a polarised environment.
