Opinion: Sharmistha Panoli’s Courage and the Need for Fair Justice

Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student and Instagram influencer from Pune, has recently become the center of a heated debate due to her arrest by the Kolkata Police on May 30, 2025. The young woman was detained for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad in a now-deleted Instagram video posted on May 14, 2025. This opinion piece argues in favor of Sharmistha, emphasizing her right to free expression, her immediate apology, and the need for a fair and balanced approach to her case. This piece highlights why Sharmistha’s arrest raises concerns about justice and freedom of speech in West Bengal, while advocating for her as a young individual caught in a complex socio-political storm.

The Incident: A Video and an Apology

Sharmistha Panoli, a law student with a significant online following, posted a video on Instagram in response to a Pakistani follower discussing a terror attack. According to posts on social media, the video allegedly contained remarks that were perceived as offensive to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. The video sparked immediate backlash, leading Sharmistha to delete it and issue a public apology, expressing regret for her choice of words. Despite these actions, the Kolkata Police arrested her in Gurugram and brought her to Kolkata, where she was produced in Alipore Court on May 31, 2025.

The swift arrest, even after her apology, has raised questions about the proportionality of the response and the priorities of the West Bengal police under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration.

Sharmistha’s case is not an isolated incident. West Bengal has seen similar arrests for social media posts, such as that of 19-year-old Aishani Biswas in 2022, who was detained for a Facebook post deemed controversial but was later granted bail. These cases point to a pattern where young individuals, particularly women, face rapid legal action for online expressions, often in the name of maintaining communal harmony. Sharmistha’s arrest, however, stands out due to the speed and intensity of the police response, despite her efforts to rectify her mistake.

In Favor of Sharmistha: A Young Woman’s Right to Speak

Sharmistha’s story is one of a young woman navigating the complexities of free speech in a highly polarized digital age. As a 22-year-old law student, she is still learning the nuances of public discourse, and her decision to delete the video and apologize demonstrates accountability and a willingness to correct her actions. In a democratic society like India, freedom of expression is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution, though it comes with reasonable restrictions to prevent harm, such as incitement to violence or hate speech.

There is no evidence that Sharmistha’s video incited violence or caused public unrest, and her immediate apology further mitigates the impact of her words. Arresting her despite these steps seems like an overreach, especially when compared to other cases where apologies have led to leniency.

Moreover, the context of her video matters. Sharmistha was responding to a comment about a terror attack, a topic that naturally evokes strong emotions. Her choice of words may have been impulsive or poorly judged, but they reflect the passion of a young person engaging with global issues. Instead of dialogue or counseling, the authorities chose to detain her, transporting her from Gurugram to Kolkata in a manner described by some as heavy-handed. Posts on X allege that she was “picked up in the middle of the night” and taken to a place where threats against her were made, raising concerns about her safety and the fairness of the process.

A Question of Priorities: Selective Enforcement?

The arrest of Sharmistha Panoli has sparked criticism about the West Bengal police’s priorities. Posts on X highlight the contrast between the swift action against Sharmistha and the perceived leniency in other serious cases, such as the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata in August 2024. The R.G. Kar case led to nationwide protests and a Supreme Court intervention due to mishandling by the state police, yet the main accused, Sanjoy Roy, faced delays in justice, and evidence tampering was suspected.

Similarly, incidents of violence against women in West Bengal, like the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in South 24 Parganas in October 2024, saw public outrage over police inaction, with families reporting delays in filing complaints.

In contrast, Sharmistha’s arrest was executed with remarkable speed, despite her offense being non-violent and followed by an apology. This selective enforcement raises questions about whether the police are prioritizing political appeasement over addressing more pressing issues like women’s safety. Critics, including BJP leaders and social media users, argue that the state government, led by Mamata Banerjee, is quick to act against individuals who challenge certain narratives but slow to address crimes that demand urgent attention. While the police have a duty to maintain communal harmony, arresting a young woman for a deleted post while serious crimes linger unresolved undermines public trust in the system.

Sharmistha’s Courage and the Need for Fairness

Sharmistha’s case also highlights her courage in speaking out on a sensitive issue, even if her approach was flawed. As a law student and influencer, she has used her platform to engage with national and international issues, a bold choice for someone her age. Her willingness to apologize publicly shows maturity and a desire to learn from her mistakes. Punishing her with arrest and public shaming, rather than encouraging dialogue or education, risks stifling young voices who dare to speak on controversial topics. In a country where social media is a powerful tool for expression, young people like Sharmistha should be guided, not silenced.

The broader context of West Bengal’s law enforcement adds weight to her case. The state has faced criticism for its handling of protests and crimes, with incidents like the 2024 Nabanna Abhijan rally seeing police use tear gas and lathi charges against demonstrators demanding justice for women’s safety. Sharmistha’s arrest, in this climate, appears less about justice and more about sending a message to those who challenge the status quo. Her supporters on X argue that she is a “poor child” targeted to appease certain groups, a sentiment that reflects growing frustration with the state’s approach to dissent.

A Call for Justice and Compassion

Sharmistha Panoli’s story is not just about a single arrest; it’s about the broader struggle for free expression, fairness, and equal treatment under the law. She is a young woman who made a mistake, took responsibility for it, and now faces disproportionate consequences. The Kolkata Police’s decision to arrest her, despite her apology, and transport her across states raises serious questions about the balance between maintaining harmony and respecting individual rights. India’s youth deserve the space to express themselves, learn, and grow without fear of swift retribution.

In her favor, Sharmistha’s case calls for compassion and a second chance. The courts should consider her apology, her age, and the non-violent nature of her actions when deciding her fate. A fair investigation, free from political pressure, is essential to ensure justice is served without bias. Furthermore, the West Bengal government must address the perception of selective enforcement by prioritizing serious crimes and ensuring that law enforcement serves all citizens equally, not just those aligned with certain narratives.

Sharmistha’s story resonates with many young Indians who use social media to voice their opinions. Her courage in speaking out, even if imperfectly, and her willingness to apologize reflect the potential of India’s youth to engage with the world. Rather than punishing her, society should support her growth, ensuring that she and others like her can contribute positively without fear. Let Sharmistha’s case be a reminder that justice must be tempered with compassion, and that every young voice deserves to be heard, not silenced.