NATIONAL: Global Uproar Over Law Student’s Arrest: The Sharmistha Panoli Controversy
Who is Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli is a 22-year-old law student from Gurgaon, currently studying at Pune Law University. She gained sudden national and international attention after her arrest by Kolkata Police over a social media post. The arrest, carried out under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), has sparked widespread outrage, including responses from political leaders and international lawmakers.
The Post That Sparked a Storm
During “Operation Sindoor,” a social media campaign in support of Hindu traditions, Sharmistha posted content criticizing terrorism, Pakistan, and religious fundamentalism. She also questioned the silence of Bollywood celebrities on such issues. Though she later deleted the post and issued a public apology, it triggered complaints leading to police action.
International Reaction: Dutch MP Steps In
Geert Wilders, a member of the Dutch Parliament known for his strong views on free speech, condemned Sharmistha’s arrest. He argued that arresting a young woman over an Instagram post violates democratic values and freedom of expression. Wilders called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure her immediate release and protect constitutional rights.
Despite no direct connection between the MP and Panoli, his support brought global visibility to the case. Social media platforms quickly amplified the controversy, with users sharing Sharmistha’s image and the hashtags supporting her.
National Voices: Pawan Kalyan and Others React
Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Pawan Kalyan took to social media in support of Sharmistha, stating that “secularism should neither be a sword nor a shield for selective politics.” He emphasized equal justice and the need for transparency, using hashtags like #IStandWithSharmistha and #EqualJustice.
He also shared videos highlighting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s controversial statements on Sanatana Dharma, suggesting selective enforcement by the state.
Legal Grounds and Arrest
An FIR was lodged at the Garden Reach police station under BNS sections 196(1)(a), 299(a), 352, and 353(1)(c). Following non-compliance with notice procedures due to Panoli’s absence, the court issued an arrest warrant. She was taken into custody on June 1 and remanded to judicial custody until June 13.
Sharmistha’s statement post-hearing emphasized the undemocratic nature of the arrest, reiterating that democratic societies must protect the right to dissent and free speech.
Political Angle: BJP Weighs In
Senior BJP leader from Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, condemned the arrest, comparing Sharmistha’s case with that of TMC MP Mahua Moitra, who had previously made controversial remarks against Goddess Kali. He pointed out that no action had been taken against Moitra despite multiple FIRs.
He accused the West Bengal government of targeting individuals aligned with Sanatan Dharma while ignoring violations from other quarters, thus framing the arrest as politically motivated.
Celebrity Support: Kangana Ranaut Speaks Out
Actor Kangana Ranaut, a vocal supporter of free speech and Hindu rights, extended her support to Sharmistha. She emphasized that such expressions are commonplace among youth and questioned the necessity of legal persecution for what she deemed harmless commentary.
Kangana criticized the overreach by state authorities and defended the importance of protecting civil liberties in a democratic setup.
Public Sentiment and Digital Mobilization
The hashtags #IStandWithSharmistha and #EqualJustice have been trending across platforms, with influencers, political figures, and civil rights activists rallying in her support. Online campaigns have called for legal reform to prevent misuse of laws against freedom of speech, especially on digital platforms.
The case has also ignited discussions on selective secularism, freedom of expression, and the role of law enforcement in a digital age.