Calcutta excessive courtroom denies interim bail to influencer Sharmishta Panoli

The bench of Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, nonetheless, directed the state to make sure that no additional FIRs are registered in opposition to Panoli for a similar set of allegations.

“The social media post has admittedly hurt the sentiments of a section of citizens. We have freedom of speech and expression. That doesn’t mean you will go on hurting the sentiments of others. Our nation is full of diversity. People from several communities and caste, and speaking different languages coexist. So, while making such submissions, we have to be cautious,” the courtroom stated.

Advocate VP Singh, Panoli’s counsel, moved the Calcutta excessive courtroom in search of ad-interim bail for the 19-year-old regulation pupil. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, who was representing the state, nonetheless, opposed the bail. The courtroom witnessed a high-pitched argument between the 2 counsels.

“The May 15 FIR says that she made some blasphemous comments against a community. What is that? Where is that content? The FIR doesn’t disclose a cognizable offence, which the police have registered,” Singh instructed the courtroom.

He additionally stated that Panoli’s household was receiving threats daily after the social media publish and even approached police on three consecutive days in search of safety. It wasn’t supplied. On May 19, a crowd gathered exterior Panoli’s residence threatening the household. That was when the household determined to maneuver to Gurugram.

Police had earlier said that every one makes an attempt have been made to serve discover, however she was discovered absconding each time. Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued by the competent courtroom, following which she was apprehended lawfully from Gurugram.

“She had posted a video hurting the religious faith. The FIR itself discloses a cognizable offence. Warrant was issued by the appropriate magistrate after notice was served. Their flat was under lock and key. She was arrested and produced before a magistrate. Her bail petition was rejected by the magistrate and she was sent to custody,” Banerjee instructed the courtroom.

The courtroom was instructed Panoli was affected by attention-deficit/ hyperactivity dysfunction (ADHD) and kidney associated illnesses. At least 4 instances have been registered in opposition to her.

The bench of Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee directed police to provide the case diary and the CD (content material of the video posted by the accused on social media) on June 5 in the course of the subsequent listening to.

“The Garden Reach case shall be treated as the principal case against her. Proceedings on the remaining cases will be stayed. The state will ensure that no further FIRs are registered on the same set of allegations,” the bench said.

Even as Singh sought a direct interim bail, the courtroom mounted the following listening to for Thursday saying: “Heaven will not fall”.