Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider an urgent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI(M) leaders seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly inciting hatred through speeches and a controversial social media video.
The petition, filed through advocate Nizam Pasha, highlights what it describes as repeated remarks by the Chief Minister targeting the Muslim community, including a recently deleted video showing Sarma “discharging a firearm toward an animated image of two visibly Muslim men positioned within the crosshairs,” accompanied by phrases such as “point blank shot” and “no mercy.” The video allegedly portrayed the men being struck by successive gunshots.
“The matter involves disturbing speeches made by the sitting CM of Assam. Complaints have been filed, but no FIR has been registered,” Pasha told the bench, seeking urgent intervention for the registration of an FIR and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged hate speech.
The PIL, filed by 12 social activists—including Roop Rekha Verma, former Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, and John Dayal argues that such remarks undermine constitutional values and the responsibilities attached to high public offices. The plea cites other statements by senior ministers and governors in Assam as examples of violations of constitutional duty.
During proceedings, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, noted the submissions and said the court would decide on listing the matter for hearing. Commenting on the timing of the plea, the CJI observed, “The problem is, as soon as elections come, part of the election is fought in the Supreme Court. That is the problem. We will find out and will give a date.”
The issue has drawn widespread attention, with political leaders, including Telangana MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, condemning the video and calling for accountability.
The court is expected to set a date for a detailed hearing soon, which could determine whether the allegations against the Chief Minister warrant formal investigation.