Influencer Sharmishta Panoli Granted Interim Bail by Calcutta High Court

Ravi Singh

Sharmishta Panoli Granted Interim Bail: Social media influencer and law student Sharmishta Panoli, who found herself at the center of a heated political and social debate, has been granted interim bail by the Calcutta High Court. Her recent arrest over a video that was alleged to have communal undertones sparked widespread controversy, raising questions about the fine line between freedom of expression and maintaining communal harmony.

The court granted Sharmishta Panoli interim bail on the condition that she furnish a bail bond of ₹10,000. The development comes after a week of intense public discourse, legal arguments, and political reactions. Despite removing the video and posting an apology, Panoli’s arrest ignited a storm on social media, with many voices—including public figures and civil society activists—criticizing what they called an excessive and politically charged response.

Kolkata Police had arrested Sharmishta Panoli from Gurugram, and she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13 by a Kolkata court. According to her lawyer, at least four FIRs were filed against her across different police stations in West Bengal, further complicating her legal battle.

The incident quickly transformed into a flashpoint for political rhetoric, with opposing parties exchanging barbs over the interpretation of law, freedom of speech, and the handling of communal sensitivities in the digital age. Supporters of Panoli argued that the matter could have been resolved without arrest, especially since she had taken down the video and expressed regret.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case has become a symbol of the growing tension between digital expression and regulatory scrutiny, underlining how quickly social media content can snowball into a national conversation with legal, political, and social implications.