Should Sharmistha Panoli Be Released by Kolkata Police?
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Synopsis
Amidst rising tensions, former West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury calls for the immediate release of law student Sharmistha Panoli. Arrested for her social media comments, her case raises critical questions about freedom of expression. Explore the unfolding drama as political leaders weigh in.
Key Takeaways
- Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury supports Sharmistha Panoli's release, emphasizing free speech rights.
- The case has sparked significant political backlash from BJP leaders.
- Concerns raised about Sharmistha's health and access to basic rights in custody.
- The Bar Council of Delhi has condemned the arrest, advocating for justice.
- Sharmistha's comments have been linked to broader issues of religious tensions in India.
Kolkata, June 3 (NationPress) Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the former President of the West Bengal Congress and a seasoned Lok Sabha member, has asserted that Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student and social media influencer, should be released promptly following her recent arrest by Kolkata Police. She faces allegations of inciting religious discord and hatred.
Chowdhury stated, "Every individual has the constitutional right to express their opinions. While certain statements may violate constitutional principles or laws, labeling someone a criminal merely for expressing an unpopular view is intolerable. Therefore, I advocate for her immediate release," he expressed on Monday.
Previously, BJP leaders in West Bengal, including the Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari and State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar, criticized the swift action taken by the Kolkata Police against Sharmistha, dubbing it a "vote-bank vendetta".
Adhikari remarked that the Kolkata Police acted excessively when they apprehended Sharmistha in Gurugram over a comment made following the Pahalgam terror attack, an event where Hindus were selectively targeted. She later retracted her statement and issued an apology.
On the same day, Sharmistha's attorney reported that she had approached a Kolkata court, seeking assurance that her fundamental rights would not be compromised during her judicial custody.
Her lawyer, Md. Samimuddin, informed the media that Sharmistha is suffering from kidney stones and requires proper hygiene, which is currently lacking in her correctional facility. "Additionally, she has been denied access to newspapers and other basic necessities, which are her rights. A petition has been submitted to the court demanding these rights be upheld. We are committed to securing her bail," Samimuddin stated.
The Bar Council of Delhi has vocally condemned Sharmistha's arrest by the West Bengal Police concerning a social media video.
On Sunday, Manan Kumar Mishra, a senior advocate and Chairman of the Bar Council of India, called for her immediate release, urging the Bengal government and its police to cease the dangerous practice of targeting "select voices".
Sharmistha faced charges after her allegedly controversial comments regarding Pakistan.
In a now-deleted video, she criticized Bollywood actors for their silence on the Pahalgam terror attack and India's counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor.
According to reports, the Kolkata Police has registered an FIR against Sharmistha under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 196(1)(a), 299, 352, and 353(1)(c), which address promoting enmity based on religion, malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments, and inciting public mischief.
Point of View
The case of Sharmistha Panoli highlights the critical balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding constitutional rights. While the implications of her comments are under scrutiny, it is essential to uphold the principles of free speech and ensure that legal actions are justified and transparent.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli was charged with promoting enmity between different groups, intentional insult, and inciting public mischief, as per the FIR filed by Kolkata Police.
Who is advocating for Sharmistha's release?
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former President of the West Bengal Congress, has publicly called for her immediate release, emphasizing the right to free expression.
What is the response from the Bar Council of Delhi?
The Bar Council of Delhi has strongly condemned the arrest, urging authorities to reconsider their approach to handling dissenting voices.
What health issues is Sharmistha facing?
Sharmistha is reportedly suffering from kidney stones and has raised concerns regarding the lack of proper hygiene in the correctional facility.
What was the context of Sharmistha's controversial comments?
Her comments were made in relation to the Pahalgam terror attack and criticized Bollywood actors for not speaking out on the issue.
