Why the Arrest of Law Student Sharmistha Panoli is Raising Eyebrows in Delhi

Controversial Arrest Sparks Outrage

New Delhi: The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has expressed strong disapproval regarding the detention of 22-year-old law student Sharmistha Panoli by West Bengal authorities due to a social media post.

In an official statement, BCD Chairman Surya Prakash Khatri criticized the Kolkata Police for their aggressive and swift action, despite Panoli's prompt deletion of the post and her subsequent apology.

Khatri remarked that the police's actions reflect a politically motivated and excessive response, suggesting that it was influenced by the West Bengal Government.

The statement further highlighted the prevailing lawlessness in West Bengal, alleging that police support has enabled violence and oppression by state-backed groups. Khatri called for Panoli's immediate release to uphold justice.

On the previous day, Manan Kumar Mishra, a senior advocate and Chairman of the Bar Council of India, also urged the West Bengal government and police to cease targeting dissenting voices, demanding Panoli's swift release. She faced charges from the Kolkata Police following her remarks perceived as controversial regarding Pakistan.

In a now-deleted video, Sharmistha had voiced her concerns about the silence of Bollywood actors regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and India's counter-terrorism operation, Operation Sindoor.

Reports indicate that the Kolkata Police have filed an FIR against her under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to promoting enmity and inciting public mischief.