‘Free speech doesn't mean hurting others': Calcutta HC denies Sharmishta Panoli bail
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday refused to grant interim bail to Instagram content creator Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested for allegedly making controversial religious statements against a community in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
In its order, the court observed that the limits of free speech cannot extend to a point where it hurts a person's or a community's sentiments, according to Live Law.
Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, who presiding over the matter, while denying ad-interim bail, said,"This video was made in social media, it was heard, this incident has led to a section of people's sentiment being hurt. Look, we have freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean you will go on to hurt others. Our country is diverse, with people from different castes, creeds, and religions. We must be cautious by saying this. So, day after tomorrow. Heavens will not fall."
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Hindustan Times
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