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Who is Sharmistha Panoli?
Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Pune’s Symbiosis Law School, is also a prominent Instagram influencer with a following exceeding 90,000. Known for her candid takes on socio-political issues, Panoli recently found herself at the centre of a national controversy
The Controversial Video and Operation Sindoor
On May 14, 2025, Panoli posted a video on Instagram criticising Bollywood celebrities for their silence on “Operation Sindoor,” India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. In the video, she used language deemed derogatory towards a particular religious community and the Prophet Muhammad. The post quickly went viral, leading to widespread backlash and calls for her arrest.
The Controversial Video and Operation Sindoor
On May 14, 2025, Panoli posted a video on Instagram criticising Bollywood celebrities for their silence on “Operation Sindoor,” India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. In the video, she used language deemed derogatory towards a particular religious community and the Prophet Muhammad. The post quickly went viral, leading to widespread backlash and calls for her arrest.
Charges Filed
Panoli faces charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
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Section 196(1)(a): Promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion
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Section 299: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
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Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
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Section 353(1)(c): Statements inciting public mischief
Political and Public Reactions
The arrest has ignited a political firestorm. BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Amit Malviya, criticised the West Bengal government’s actions, alleging selective targeting and “appeasement politics.” Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut defended Panoli, urging the government not to “bully or harass” her. Internationally, Dutch MP Geert Wilders condemned the arrest, calling it a “disgrace for freedom of speech” and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her release.
Conclusion
Sharmistha Panoli’s case underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and communal harmony in India’s digital age. As the legal proceedings continue, the nation watches closely, debating the implications for free speech and the responsibilities of social media influencers.
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