The Calcutta High Court has granted interim bail to 22-year-old social media influencer and law student Sharmistha Panoli, who was recently arrested by Kolkata Police for allegedly posting a video containing “communal” remarks.
The court observed that the complaint filed against her did not reveal any cognisable offence. Panoli was arrested from Gurugram, Haryana, following an FIR lodged at Garden Reach Police Station in Kolkata.
Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, while granting bail, ordered that she be released on a bail bond and security of ₹10,000. The court also instructed her to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the court barred Panoli from leaving the country without prior permission. However, it allowed the trial court to consider any future request from her to travel abroad for educational purposes. Given her complaint about receiving threats after her posts, the court also directed police to ensure her protection.
