Guwahati: More than 40 prominent writers, academics, former civil servants, journalists, and social activists have urged the Gauhati High Court to take suo motu cognisance of what they describe as repeated instances of hate speech and constitutional violations by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
A delegation representing the signatories submitted an open letter to the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on Thursday, seeking judicial intervention over recent public statements allegedly made by the Chief Minister targeting the Bengal-origin Muslim community, commonly referred to as the “Miyan”.
In the letter, the signatories stated that the remarks attributed to the Chief Minister go beyond political rhetoric and amount to dehumanisation, collective stigmatisation, and intimidation of a community that has, over decades, integrated into Assamese society through language, culture, and social participation.
The representation flagged statements that allegedly encourage social and economic discrimination against members of the community, arguing that such remarks, when made by the head of a state government, undermine the constitutional guarantees of dignity, equality before the law, and fraternity.
The letter also raised concerns over what it described as executive interference in the ongoing Special Revision process. It cited public statements suggesting that ruling party workers were encouraged to file objections targeting members of the community, contending that any attempt to influence a constitutionally mandated and quasi-judicial process violates democratic norms and institutional neutrality.
Referring to Supreme Court judgments on hate speech, including Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay vs Union of India and Vishal Tiwari vs Union of India, the signatories noted that authorities are duty-bound to act against hate speech irrespective of the position held by the speaker. They argued that when allegations involve a sitting Chief Minister, judicial oversight becomes essential to safeguard constitutional values.
The letter further cited the Chief Minister’s constitutional oath under Article 164, asserting that publicly singling out a religious community for scrutiny or hardship is incompatible with the responsibilities of a constitutional functionary.
The signatories called upon the High Court to direct the registration of appropriate cases where warranted, ensure protection of the dignity and security of the affected community, reaffirm constitutional discipline for holders of public office, and uphold secularism, which the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognised as part of the Constitution’s basic structure.
Among those who signed the letter are noted scholar Hiren Gohain, former Assam Director General of Police Harekrishna Deka, Senior journalist Paresh Malakar, former Archbishop of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, retired IAS officers, journalists, academics, artists, and social activists from across Assam.
Representatives of Axom Nagarik Sanmilan, on whose behalf the letter was submitted, said they hope judicial intervention will help preserve constitutional balance and prevent the normalisation of hate speech and executive overreach.