Guwahati: The Supreme Court will hear petitions on February 16 seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video that allegedly shows him aiming and firing a rifle at members of a particular community.
According to the apex court’s cause list, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is likely to take up the matter. On February 10, the top court had agreed to consider listing a plea filed by Left leaders seeking action against Sarma.
Referring to the upcoming Assam Assembly polls, the court observed that part of the election battle often shifts to the courtroom. The bench took note of submissions by advocate Nizam Pasha, who appeared for leaders of the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist), and said it would consider listing the plea.
The video, which surfaced on February 7, purportedly shows Sarma taking aim with a rifle and firing at two individuals—one wearing a skull cap and the other with a beard. The Assam BJP shared the clip on its official X handle. The post triggered widespread outrage and political condemnation. The party later deleted it after facing accusations of inciting violence and communal hatred.
Separate petitions filed by CPI(M) and CPI leader Annie Raja have sought the registration of FIRs against Sarma for alleged hate speech aimed at communal polarisation. The petitioners have also urged the Supreme Court to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arguing that state and central agencies cannot be expected to conduct an independent probe.
The pleas, listed in chronological order, cite several alleged provocative speeches and statements attributed to Sarma. Earlier, a separate petition by 12 individuals sought directions from the court to prevent divisive remarks by persons holding constitutional posts.