Influencer Sharmistha Panoli Granted Interim Bail by Calcutta High Court in Communal Content Case

Kolkata, June 5, 2025 — The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to social media influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested last week over a video allegedly containing communal content. The court directed her to submit a bail bond of ₹10,000.

Panoli was taken into custody on May 30 from Gurugram, Haryana, after a complaint was filed against her Instagram post, which criticized Bollywood celebrities in the context of Operation Sindoor and allegedly hurt religious sentiments. The video has since been deleted, and Panoli issued a public apology.

Although her initial bail plea was rejected on June 3, with the court ruling that freedom of expression cannot infringe on others’ religious beliefs, the latest hearing brought relief. The bench observed that the complaint did not disclose a cognizable offence, paving the way for her interim release.

Panoli’s arrest has stirred political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Kolkata Police of acting hastily. Her legal team also cited health concerns, including kidney stone issues and inadequate medical care in custody.

Meanwhile, the complainant Wajahat Khan Qadri, has himself come under scrutiny. An FIR has been lodged against him for allegedly posting content that hurt religious sentiments. Qadri is reportedly absconding, with police now attempting to trace his location.