The hashtag #IStandwithSharmishta is trending on Twitter due to a controversy involving Indian social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli. She gained attention after posting videos criticizing Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The situation escalated when she made remarks perceived by some as disrespectful towards Prophet Muhammad, leading to widespread backlash and discussions about freedom of expression and religious sensitivity.
Who Is Sharmishta Panoli?
Sharmishta Panoli is a fourth-year law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. She hails from Anandpur, Kolkata. Recently, she gained nationwide attention after one of her videos went viral on social media.
In the video, Sharmishta made remarks criticizing Bollywood celebrities and questioned their silence on national issues. However, the controversy erupted after she made a comment that many interpreted as disrespectful to Prophet Muhammad.
What Caused the Outrage?
The video clip, which circulated widely, included statements where Sharmishta allegedly called the Prophet “delusional.” These remarks offended many and triggered a wave of backlash. People from various cities lodged cyber complaints against her. Some demanded legal action for what they considered hate speech.
Symbiosis Law School has not yet released an official response.
Why Is #IStandwithSharmishta Trending?
In reaction to the outrage, the hashtag #IStandwithSharmishta started trending. Supporters argue that Sharmishta exercised her right to free speech. They claim the clip was taken out of context and defend her right to express personal beliefs.
Supporters of Sharmishta argue that her comments were taken out of context and defend her right to express her views, while critics accuse her of promoting hate speech. The hashtag has garnered significant attention, with over 134,000 tweets, reflecting the polarized opinions on the matter.
Many users on social media insist that punishing her sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in India.
The Debate: Free Speech or Hate Speech?
This case has reopened a familiar debate—how much freedom of expression should individuals have when religion is involved?
India’s Constitution protects the right to free speech. But it also restricts speech that can incite violence or harm public harmony. Striking the right balance remains a challenge.
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Social media users remain split over the issue:
- Supporters believe she spoke out against ideology, not religion.
- Critics argue her comments insulted an entire community and must be condemned.
Some commentators have also expressed concern about her mental health and personal safety. They urge the public to approach the situation with empathy, even when opinions differ.
Sharmishta Issues an Unconditional Apology
Following the backlash, Sharmishta took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public apology. In her post, she wrote:
“I do hereby tender my UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY. Whatever was put are my personal feelings and I never intentionally wanted to hurt anybody. So if anybody is hurt, I’m sorry for the same. I expect co-operation and understanding. Henceforth, I will be cautious in my public post.”
Her post, which received over 26,000 likes and 7,000 comments in less than 24 hours, shows the scale of the controversy. While some appreciated her apology, others called it too late or insufficient. Regardless, her statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about free speech, accountability, and responsible use of social media.
Final Thoughts
The #IStandwithSharmishta trend goes beyond one student’s statements. It highlights the tension between free speech and religious tolerance in modern India. As digital platforms amplify every voice, even a single video can spark national debates.
Disclaimer: This article aims to present a neutral view based on publicly available sources. It does not endorse or oppose any individual or opinion.
