Bar Council Chief Defends Influencer's Arrest as Unjust

The arrest of social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli has sparked a debate over freedom of expression and the handling of sensitive online content.

Panoli was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through her social media posts. This action has drawn criticism from legal experts and raised concerns about potential overreach by law enforcement. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has now stepped in, with its chairman calling the arrest an "absolute failure of justice."

Top 5 Key Insights:

BCI Chairman's Strong Support: Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India, has publicly condemned Sharmistha Panoli's arrest, describing it as a blatant assault on freedom of expression. Mishra, also a senior advocate at the Supreme Court, stated his firm support for Panoli, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech.

His statement highlights the legal community's concern over the implications of this arrest.

Accusations of Selective Action: Mishra has accused the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police of engaging in selective and politically motivated actions. He alleges that authorities are targeting individuals from particular communities while overlooking more egregious acts by others. This accusation raises questions about fairness and impartiality in law enforcement.

Focus on Freedom of Expression: The core issue revolves around the extent to which online speech should be regulated and the threshold for triggering legal action. Mishra argues that merely using the wrong choice of words should not be considered blasphemous.

This perspective underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects both religious sentiments and the right to express opinions.

Judicial Custody and Apology: Despite Panoli's apology and the deletion of the controversial video, she was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Kolkata court. The court denied the state's request for police custody. This decision has fueled the debate, with many questioning whether the punishment fits the alleged offense, especially considering her remorse.

Call for Immediate Release and Fair Trial: Mishra has demanded Panoli's immediate release, a fair trial, and an end to what he describes as double standards in West Bengal's justice system. He insists that justice should be administered without bias or political influence. His demand reflects a broader concern about the potential misuse of legal processes to stifle dissent.

Expert Insight:

Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India: "I stand firmly with Sharmistha Panoli, whose arrest and judicial custody for a now- deleted social media video-despite her immediate apology-represents an absolute failure of justice and a blatant assault on freedom of expression. The Bengal government and Kolkata Police have once again proved their pattern of excessive, selective, and politically motivated action, targeting individuals from particular communities while ignoring or even shielding far more egregious acts by others."

Wrap-up:

The case of Sharmistha Panoli highlights the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and the need to maintain social harmony.

It underscores the importance of ensuring that legal actions are not driven by political motivations or discriminatory practices. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to protect both individual rights and community sensitivities in the digital age.

Author Bio:

Ananya Mehta has spent 8 years covering political developments, legal reforms, and social movements across India. Her investigative approach brings clarity to complex governance issues affecting citizens.

Citations: Bar Council chief backs influencer Sharmistha Panoli, calls arrest 'absolute failure of justice'