Sharmistha Panoli Case: Calcutta HC Refuses To Grant Interim Bail To 22-Year-Old Social Media Influencer; Next Hearing On June 5

Kolkata: In a setback for Sharmistha Panoli, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday denied interim bail to the 22-year-old law student and social media influencer. However, the court stayed all FIRs outside the Garden Reach police station area, reported News18. The matter will now be heard on June 5. The interim bail was denied by Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee.

The social media influencer also challenged the remand order passed by the Trial Court. On Sunday, Panoli was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a trial court.

"This video was made in social media, it was heard, this incident has led to a section of peoples sentiment being hurt. Look, we have freedom of speech but that doesn't mean you will go on to hurt others. Our country is diverse, with all persons from different caste, creed, religion, etc. We must be cautious by saying this. So day after tomorrow. Heavens will not fall," the Calcutta HC ruled as reported by Live Law.

Notably, the social media influencer had posted a video on her Instagram and X account in which she allegedly made blasphemous remarks against Prophet Mohammad.

However, after receiving a backlash, she deleted the video and apologised for her remarks. On May 15, an FIR was filed against her and two days later warrants were issued against her.

During the hearing in the Calcutta HC, Panoli's lawyer argued that her arrest was illegal as offences mentioned in the FIR were non-cognisable and no notice was served to her before her arrest, reported Live Law. Meanwhile, the state counsel said that the notice was issued, but Panoli's family had fled to Gurugram.

Panoli was arrested by Kolkata Police from Gurugram on May 30 for allegedly making communal remarks while replying to a post on Operation Sindoor. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police denied allegations that the the social media influencer was arrested unlawfully.