BCI Chairman's Bold Stand: Seeks Justice for Silenced Influencer
A Call for Freedom and Fairness
In an outspoken declaration, the Bar Council of India’s chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has expressed deep concern and called for the immediate release of a young Instagram influencer, Sharmishta Panoli. Arrested by the Kolkata Police, Panoli finds herself in judicial custody over a controversial online post, a situation Mishra deems as a “blatant assault on freedom of expression.”
The Arrest and Its Repercussions
Sharmishta Panoli, a 22-year-old resident of Kolkata and law student, made headlines after being apprehended from Gurugram, following a social media video linked to the ‘Operation Sindoor’ controversy. Despite her apology and the video’s deletion, Panoli faces severe legal repercussions, sparking notable reactions from influential legal figures.
Mishra’s Unwavering Support
Manan Kumar Mishra has positioned himself as a staunch defender of Panoli, arguing that her arrest signals an “absolute failure of justice.” His statement criticizes the local government for its perceived hypocrisy, questioning its stance against Operation Sindoor while curtailing dissenting voices like Panoli’s.
A Demand for Equal Justice
Mishra’s statement is a clarion call for the Bengal government to embrace the virtues of true democracy: impartiality and equal rights protection. He advocates against targeting specific voices and stresses the need to uphold justice for all, seeking Panoli’s release and a chance for her to face a fair trial without the shadow of vendetta.
The Bigger Picture: An End to Double Standards
The statement from Mishra also invites reflection on broader concerns relating to selective law enforcement and the state’s historical administration of justice. According to ETLegalWorld.com, the push to silence dissent remains a dangerous trajectory, threatening the principles of democracy.
As this legal drama unfolds, Mishra’s intervention stands out. It highlights the ongoing battle between freedom of speech and the perceived authoritarian control over it, drawing media attention and public interest alike.
