Shilpi Nama
On 5th June, 2025, the Calcutta High Court granted interim bail to 22-year-old law student and influencer Shamishta Panoli, arrested over allegedly communal social media posts.
Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, while granting bail on a ₹10,000 bond, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but cited Panoli’s young age, her status as a law student, and her willingness to cooperate. He imposed conditions: she must not leave the country without court approval, tamper with evidence, or intimidate witnesses. The court also instructed police not to summon her unnecessarily due to her academic commitments.
Previously, Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee had denied her bail, citing India’s diversity and limits to free speech. However, upon reviewing the case diary, Justice Chowdhury questioned the legitimacy of the arrest warrant, noting that it appeared “mechanical” and that the complaint lacked details of a cognizable offence. He also pointed out the absence of the alleged video in the police records and criticized the investigation’s thoroughness.
The police defended Panoli’s arrest in Gurgaon, asserting she was evading investigation. The Advocate General stated that she flew to Delhi at midnight on May 20, and attempts to serve notice at her Kolkata home had failed. In response, Panoli’s counsel argued the arrest and FIR were baseless, stating, “Blasphemy is not the law of the land,” and noting the deleted video targeted a Pakistani national amid an online conflict.
Police claimed Panoli was evading investigation and was arrested in Gurgaon after traveling to Delhi. However, her lawyer said the family left due to threats and fear, providing evidence that her mother had remained at their Kolkata home.
In response to reports of threats to Panoli, Justice Chowdhury ordered the police to ensure her protection, stating that if she could be arrested, those threatening her should also be apprehended.
Panoli’s father expressed relief at the court’s decision, praising the judiciary and expressing hope that she could now resume a normal life and continue her legal education safely.
Case Name: Sharmishta Panoli Raj Vs. State of West Bengal & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.A. 12361 of 2025
Bench: Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury
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