The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday denied interim bail to influencer and law student Sharmishta Panoli, stating that freedom of speech does not extend to hurting religious sentiments.
Panoli, a 22-year-old law student, had posted controversial remarks on social media in response to discussions about India’s Operation Sindoor. The court highlighted the nation’s diversity and underscored the importance of respecting different religious beliefs.
“Sentiments of a section of the people have been hurt,” the High Court remarked. “We have freedom of speech, but that does not mean one can hurt the sentiments of others. Our country is full of diversity.”
Panoli has publicly apologised for her comments, acknowledging that her statements were offensive. However, the court maintained that an apology alone was insufficient grounds for bail, adding that her words had caused real distress to some communities.
The case has sparked debates on the limitations of free speech in India, with many arguing that while expression is vital in a democracy, it should not be exercised at the cost of communal harmony.
