Why Was a Law Student from Kolkata Remanded to 14-Day Judicial Custody?
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Synopsis
A law student in Kolkata, Sharmistha Panoli, faces 14 days in judicial custody after being accused of offending religious sentiments through her social media post. Legal arguments unfold as her defense seeks bail amidst rising tensions. What implications does this case hold for freedom of expression in India?
Key Takeaways
- Sharmistha Panoli faced legal action for her social media post.
- The court has ordered her to remain in judicial custody until June 13.
- Her public apology did not prevent the legal proceedings against her.
Kolkata, May 31 (NationPress) A city court on Saturday ordered the remand of Sharmistha Panoli, a law student who was apprehended by the Kolkata Police on allegations of offending the religious sentiments of a specific community, to 13 days of judicial custody.
The 22-year-old student was taken into custody by the Kolkata Police in Gurugram, Haryana, earlier that day and subsequently transported back to Kolkata under transit remand. She faced the city court on Saturday afternoon, where, following a thorough hearing, she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13.
An FIR was filed against her at the Garden Reach Police Station on May 15, due to an Instagram video she posted which contained comments about Operation Sindoor that allegedly offended the religious sentiments of a particular community.
Following significant backlash, she removed the video and issued a public apology. However, after the FIR was lodged, the police attempted to serve her a notice, which was unsuccessful as she had fled to Gurugram by that time.
Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued, resulting in her apprehension in Gurugram. Panoli, who is pursuing law studies in Pune, was presented in court where the public prosecutor insisted on her police custody. “It’s crucial for the police to determine the intent behind her social media post. Interrogation in custody is essential to ascertain if others were involved in the matter,” the prosecutor contended.
In contrast, her legal counsel requested bail, asserting, “My client has already issued an apology for her comments. Despite that, she continues to receive threatening calls. As a law student, with her laptop and mobile phone already seized, she has cooperated with the investigation and warrants bail under any circumstances.”
Ultimately, she was remanded to judicial custody until June 13.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this case with a commitment to unbiased reporting. The incident raises crucial debates about the balance between free speech and respect for religious sentiments in a diverse society like India. Our objective is to present the facts while considering the varied perspectives involved.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli is accused of hurting the religious sentiments of a specific community through her social media post.
How long has she been remanded to judicial custody?
She has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody until June 13.
What was the nature of the controversial post?
The post was an Instagram video containing comments on Operation Sindoor that reportedly offended a particular community.
