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Inspirational Desk, Delhi Magazine: Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, has found herself at the heart of a national debate that pits free speech against religious sensitivity in India’s hyper-connected digital era. Known for her bold political commentary, Panoli has amassed over 175,000 followers on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where she regularly shares her opinions on legal, social, and national issues.
But in May 2025, her outspoken presence led to a storm of controversy—and a national reckoning on democratic freedoms.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Born on March 21, 2003, in Kolkata, West Bengal, into a Hindu family, Sharmistha grew up in an environment of discipline and academic focus. Her father, Prithviraj Panoli, and mother, Veena Panoli, supported her ambitions from an early age. She shares a close relationship with her younger brother and has often credited her family for instilling in her the courage to speak out.
Her schooling began at The Punjab Public School, Nabha, where she studied from 2017 to 2018. She completed her high school years at Mahadevi Birla Girls Higher Secondary School, achieving 84.8% in Class 10 and 90.6% in Class 12—clear indicators of her academic capabilities.
In 2021, she enrolled in Symbiosis Law School, Pune, to pursue a BBA LLB. As of 2025, she is in her fourth year, maintaining a 7.129 CGPA, alongside an extensive portfolio of internships and professional work.
Professional Experience and Internships
Determined to understand the legal world from all angles, Panoli undertook an impressive array of internships:
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Legal Intern with Adv. Dipendra Nath Chunder, Kolkata High Court
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Content Writer at Lawyers Club India
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Volunteer with Umeed – A Drop of Hope NGO
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Legal Internships at prestigious firms like Khaitan & Co., S Majumdar & Co., J. Sagar Associates (JSA)
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In-house Counsel at ITC Limited
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Chief Marketing Officer at WakthPeVakeel.com
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Additionally, she worked at Adab Singh Kapoor & Associates
Her ability to balance legal rigor with public outreach has made her a rare hybrid of student and influencer—until controversy changed everything.
The Operation Sindoor Controversy and Arrest
On May 14, 2025, Panoli posted a now-deleted video in response to a Pakistani user’s question about India’s military actions in Operation Sindoor—a counter-terrorist operation following the Pahalgam attack. In it, she criticized Bollywood actors, especially Muslim stars like the Khans, for their silence, and made remarks interpreted by many as offensive to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
Despite removing the video and issuing an unconditional apology, her statements had already gone viral. The backlash was severe—multiple FIRs were filed, including one in Garden Reach, Kolkata. After she remained untraceable, police issued an arrest warrant. Here is her post from Instgram.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17883049857292653/
She was arrested on May 30, 2025, from Gurugram, Haryana, and placed in 14-day judicial custody till June 13, 2025.
#ReleaseSharmistha Trends Nationwide
Following her arrest, a massive online movement erupted. The hashtag #ReleaseSharmistha has surged across X, Instagram, and Threads, garnering over 4 million mentions in 48 hours. Users have decried her detention as an “assault on democratic rights.” Many argue that, while controversial, her remarks are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech and expression.
Prominent influencers like Ranveer Allahbadia, Ankur Warikoo, and Sakshi Sindwani called for calm and urged a re-evaluation of the legal action.
Student unions from institutions such as JNU, Delhi University, IIM Ahmedabad, and Pune University have issued statements demanding her immediate release.
Support from Public Figures and the Growing Movement for Sharmistha Panoli’s Release
Pawan Kalyan Speaks Out
Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan strongly criticized Sharmistha Panoli’s arrest, calling for fairness and balance in the application of secular values. In a widely shared post, he remarked:
“Secularism isn’t a shield for some and a sword for others. It must be a two-way street. West Bengal Police, the nation is watching. Act justly for all.”
Kalyan’s comments reflect growing concern among public figures over what many perceive as selective outrage and unequal enforcement of legal standards.
Kangana Ranaut Backs Panoli
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut also extended her support, asserting that while Panoli’s remarks may have been unpleasant, they do not warrant continued harassment or legal punishment. She stated:
“No need to bully or harass her further. She should be released immediately.”
Ranaut emphasized the dangers of silencing young voices, particularly when they engage in political discourse.
Global Support: Dutch MP Geert Wilders Condemns Arrest
The issue has also drawn international attention. Dutch Member of Parliament Geert Wilders strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as a serious threat to freedom of speech. In a social media post, he urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene:
“Free the brave Sharmistha Panoli! It’s a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested. Don’t punish her for speaking the truth.”
Free the brave Sharmishta Panoli!
It’s a disgrace for the freedom of speech that she was arrested.
Don’t punish her for speaking the truth about Pakistan and Muhammad.
Help her @narendramodi! @AmyMek #Sharmishta#IStandwithSharmishta #ReleaseSharmistha #FreeSharmishta pic.twitter.com/YhGSLhuyr2
— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) May 31, 2025
Nationwide Movement Gathers Momentum
#ReleaseSharmistha Trends Across Platforms
The hashtag #ReleaseSharmistha has gone viral, trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads. Within 48 hours, the movement amassed over 4 million mentions, with countless users describing the arrest as an assault on democratic rights.
View this post on Instagram
Influential voices such as Ranveer Allahbadia, Ankur Warikoo, and Sakshi Sindwani have appealed for a more measured response, urging the authorities to reconsider the harsh legal action.
View this post on Instagram
University Campuses and Streets Join the Protest
Student unions from premier institutions—JNU, Delhi University, Pune University, and IIM Ahmedabad—have issued official statements demanding Panoli’s release and defending the right to free speech.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, peaceful protests have erupted across Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. A powerful candlelight march in Pune drew over 3,000 participants, including law students and activists. In Delhi, demonstrators gathered outside India Gate, holding placards and chanting in solidarity.
Legal Fraternity Raises Alarm
The legal community has also stepped in. Renowned Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaising called the arrest an overreach of state power, stating:
“Her video was clearly political commentary. Arresting her under charges meant for incitement is an overreach of state power.”
Organizations such as the All India Bar Association and Human Rights Law Network have offered legal aid and demanded a fair, transparent, and expedited trial process.
Family Breaks Silence
In their first statement since the arrest, Sharmistha Panoli’s family expressed anguish but remained composed:
“Sharmistha is a proud Indian who speaks for her country. She has no hatred towards any community. We request the nation to stand by her in this difficult time.”
The Road Ahead
As of June 1, 2025, Sharmistha remains in judicial custody, and her legal team has filed for bail. Her devices have been seized, and the defense argues that continued detention is unnecessary.
Whether her case becomes a landmark in defining the limits of digital speech—or a cautionary tale of the risks young influencers face in India’s polarized environment—remains to be seen.
For now, Sharmistha Panoli is more than a student or influencer. She is a symbol—of a generation testing the boundaries of dissent, identity, and the freedom to speak.
The arrest of Sharmistha Panoli has sparked intense debate over India’s selective enforcement of laws regarding freedom of speech and religious sentiments. While Panoli faced quick legal action and police intervention from West Bengal for her controversial remarks related to Operation Sindoor, others like Sanjida Sekh from Maharashtra, who allegedly expressed support for Pakistan, were treated differently. The Bombay High Court notably stated that Sanjida’s apology was accepted and her remarks did not cause harm to national interest, reflecting leniency towards her case. Similarly, Mahua Moitra, the Trinamool Congress MP from Kolkata, who made contentious remarks about Goddess Kali, has not faced comparable consequences. This disparity has fueled public outrage, with many accusing authorities of applying a dual standard—where criticism or perceived offenses against Hindu sentiments result in swift punishment, while more provocative statements supporting rival nations or criticizing Hindu deities receive relatively lenient treatment.
