What Measures Are Being Taken for Sharmistha Panoli's Safety During Judicial Custody?
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Synopsis
Sharmistha Panoli's legal counsel has sought the intervention of the Calcutta High Court to ensure her safety and access to basic services while in judicial custody. The law student, facing serious charges, has raised concerns about her well-being amid ongoing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Representation: The importance of legal counsel in ensuring safety and rights.
- Judicial Custody: Understanding the implications of judicial custody on personal safety.
- Public Response: The impact of social media on public sentiment and legal proceedings.
- Freedom of Expression: Balancing freedom of speech with community sensitivities.
- Ongoing Investigations: The significance of investigations in shaping legal outcomes.
Kolkata, June 3 (NationPress) The legal representative of Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student who was recently apprehended by the Kolkata Police on allegations of inciting religious sentiments and fostering discord, stated on Tuesday that he had appealed to the Calcutta High Court to instruct the state government to guarantee his client's safety and the provision of essential services while she is in judicial custody.
"My client has faced threats. Consequently, she visited the police station and lodged a complaint. Unfortunately, the police did not offer her any protection, prompting her to relocate to Gurugram. I have requested the Calcutta High Court to ensure that the state government provides safety and basic services to my client during her time in judicial custody," Md Samsuddin informed IANS after a vacation bench of the High Court denied her ad-interim bail.
An FIR was filed against Panoli at the Garden Reach Police Station on May 15 after she uploaded an Instagram video containing comments on 'Operation Sindoor' that allegedly offended the religious sentiments of a specific community.
Facing severe backlash, the law student removed the video and issued a public apology. However, following the FIR, the police initially sent her a notice, which was unsuccessful since she had already gone into hiding in Gurugram.
Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued, and she was detained by the Kolkata Police on Saturday morning, then brought back to Kolkata under transit remand.
Samsuddin approached the High Court, contesting the trial court's decision last week that placed her in judicial custody until June 13. The case was heard by the vacation bench of Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, who rejected Panoli's request for ad-interim bail.
However, Samsuddin did not provide specific information regarding any particular security risks for Panoli while in judicial custody.
"I cannot disclose anything at this moment as the matter is sub-judice and under investigation," he remarked.
Regarding the High Court's refusal of her bail, Samsuddin noted that the investigation's preliminary status might have influenced the denial of his client's request.
He also refrained from commenting on the possibility of filing a motion to transfer the case out of West Bengal, considering the state government’s opposition to her bail plea.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe cases like Sharmistha Panoli's with a balanced perspective. We must ensure that the principles of justice are upheld, while also recognizing the complex interplay of law, safety, and freedom of expression in today's society. The ongoing legal proceedings warrant careful scrutiny as they may set significant precedents.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli has been charged with hurting religious sentiments and promoting disharmony and hatred.
Why did Sharmistha Panoli relocate to Gurugram?
She relocated to Gurugram due to threats she received after her video post, seeking safety.
What has the Calcutta High Court decided regarding her bail?
The Calcutta High Court denied her request for ad-interim bail.
What action has her counsel taken?
Her counsel has appealed to the Calcutta High Court for the state government to ensure her safety and basic services during judicial custody.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and the counsel has refrained from providing details due to the sub-judice nature of the case.
