The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to fix a date for hearing petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speech and communal targeting of the state’s Muslim community. The petitions have been filed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India leader Annie Raja.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while responding to the plea for urgent listing, remarked that election periods often turn the court into a forum for political disputes. Referring to the timing of the petition, he observed that “when elections come, part of the elections is fought inside the Supreme Court” according to a report by legal news platform LiveLaw.
Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the petitioners, sought urgent intervention of the court, citing what he described as disturbing public statements and visual content involving the Assam Chief Minister. He told the court that a recent video showed the Chief Minister firing a weapon at members of a particular community and that formal complaints had been submitted but no First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered.
“We seek urgent intervention of this Court with respect to disturbing speeches made by the sitting Chief Minister of Assam. Complaints are filed, but no FIRs registered” the counsel submitted.
In response, the Chief Justice stated that the court would consider the matter and assign a date for hearing. “We will find out, will give date” he said.
According to the LiveLaw report, the CPI(M) and Annie Raja have filed separate writ petitions seeking directions for the registration of FIRs against Sarma for offences related to hate speech and communal polarisation. The petitions also seek the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Supreme Court to probe the matter.
The controversy intensified after the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Assam unit posted and later deleted a video on social media showing the Chief Minister shooting at Muslim men. The video drew sharp criticism online, with several users alleging that it amounted to incitement and violated criminal law provisions. Some commentators claimed that the content could attract provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Opposition leaders have argued that the statements and visuals attributed to the Chief Minister contribute to an atmosphere of fear and hostility towards the Muslim community in the state. They have urged the Supreme Court to intervene to uphold constitutional protections and prevent communal polarisation.
The Assam government and the Chief Minister have not yet issued a formal response to the petitions at the time of reporting. The Supreme Court is expected to list the matter for hearing in the coming days.
