Calcutta High Court Denies Interim Relief to Sharmistha Panoli in Offensive Video Case

On June 1, 2025, the Calcutta High Court declined to grant interim relief to law student and Instagram influencer Sharmistha Panoli, who is currently in judicial custody for allegedly posting a video that hurt religious sentiments. The single-judge bench of Justice Kausik Chanda directed the State to produce the full case diary on the next hearing date, scheduled for June 10.

Background

Panoli was arrested on May 30 by Kolkata Police in Gurugram, Haryana, for uploading a social media video criticizing celebrities’ silence over Operation Sindoor. The video drew allegations of promoting enmity and inciting religious hatred. Despite deleting the video and issuing an apology, she was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Kolkata court on May 31.

Court Proceedings

During the hearing, Panoli’s counsel argued that her arrest and continued custody violated her fundamental rights, especially freedom of speech and expression. They sought her immediate release and a stay on further investigation.

However, the State opposed interim relief, contending that the investigation was at a crucial stage and that her statements could incite communal unrest. The Court refused to intervene at this point, stating that it could only assess the legality of her arrest and custodial detention after reviewing the full case records.

What’s Next

The Court will next hear the matter on June 10, 2025. Until then, Panoli will remain in custody. The case continues to raise broader questions on freedom of speech, the responsibilities of social media influencers, and the state’s role in managing communal sensitivities.