Blatant Assault On Freedom Of Expression
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra strongly criticised the arrest of law student Sharmishta Panoli, calling it a “blatant assault on freedom of expression” and a dangerous trend that threatens democratic values and constitutional rights.
Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India, Senior Advocate, and Rajya Sabha MP, has strongly criticized the arrest of 22-year-old law student and social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, labeling it a “blatant assault on freedom of expression” and an “absolute failure of justice.”
In a press release dated June 1, Mishra called for her immediate release and accused the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police of politically motivated and selective actions.
Panoli was taken into custody on May 30 by Kolkata Police due to a now-deleted video in which she criticized Bollywood actors for their silence regarding “Operation Sindoor” India’s military response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
The video, which faced opposition, contained offensive language and remarks considered derogatory towards Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
Afterward, she issued an unconditional apology and removed the post.
Despite this, multiple FIRs were filed in Kolkata under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to promoting enmity, outraging religious sentiments, and inciting public mischief.
The police stated that Panoli did not respond to legal notices, prompting her arrest from Gurugram based on a court-issued warrant. She was subsequently presented before the Alipore Court and remanded to 14-day judicial custody until June 13.
In his statement, Mishra accused the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police of engaging in “excessive, selective, and politically motivated” actions. He alleged a systemic bias where individuals from certain communities are targeted, while those responsible for acts of violence or hate speech are often overlooked or protected.
Mishra stated,
“History bears witness to the atrocities and violence perpetrated against specific groups in West Bengal, often with the complicity or direct involvement of government entities and political actors,”
He referenced historical instances such as the Marichjhanpi massacre of Hindu refugees, the Nandigram violence, and the Murshidabad riots as examples of this state complicity, claiming that many perpetrators have enjoyed impunity.
He further condemned the state’s opposition to Operation Sindoor, arguing that Panoli’s arrest showcases double standards,
“It is deeply troubling that the same government that opposed Operation Sindoor… now seeks to silence a young law student for questioning such similar double standards.”
Mishra deemed it “unconscionable” to label the “mere wrong choice of words” as blasphemous and described Panoli’s arrest as unfair blaming.
He emphasized,
“True democracy demands impartiality, restraint, and the equal protection of rights not selective outrage and vendetta,”
He concluded his statement by urging for Panoli’s immediate release, a fair trial, and a reassessment by the West Bengal government and police.
He stated,
“I call upon the Bengal government and its police to abandon this dangerous path of targeting select voices and to uphold the rule of law for all,”
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