The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a plea against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma concerning a viral video that allegedly shows him targeting members of the Muslim community, raising concerns about hate speech and communal polarisation.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court will consider a plea seeking action against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding a controversial viral video.
- The video allegedly depicts Sarma taking aim and firing a rifle at individuals appearing to be members of the Muslim community, sparking outrage.
- Left leaders from CPI and CPI-M are seeking the registration of FIRs against Sarma for alleged hate speech and communal polarisation.
- The controversial video was shared by the Assam BJP and later deleted after accusations of inciting violence and communal hatred.
- The Supreme Court acknowledged concerns about the timing of the plea in relation to the upcoming Assam assembly elections.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider listing a plea of Left leaders seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video allegedly showing him taking aim and firing with a rifle at members of the Muslim community.
Referring to the upcoming assembly polls in Assam, the top court said that the problem is that a part of the elections is fought before it.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria took note of the submissions of lawyer Nizam Pasha, appearing for a few Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders, against Sarma and said it will consider listing the plea.
"We seek urgent intervention of this court with respect to disturbing speeches made by the sitting CM of Assam, including a recent video posted where he is shown as shooting at members of a particular community. Complaints filed, but no FIR is registered," the lawyer said.
The CJI said, "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."
BJP deleted video after outrage
The video of Sarma purportedly taking aim with a rifle and firing at two people, one wearing a skull cap and the other with a beard, was shared by the Assam BJP on its official X handle on February 7.
The controversial post sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation. It was deleted by the BJP after it drew accusations of inciting violence and communal hatred.
Separate pleas have been filed by the CPI-M and CPI leader Annie Raja seeking the registration of FIRs against Sarma for alleged hate speech aimed at communal polarisation.
They also sought setting up a special investigation team (SIT) by the top court on the ground that an independent probe was not expected from state and central agencies.
The pleas listed in chronological order alleged provocative speeches and statements made by Sarma.
Earlier, a separate petition was filed by 12 people on the issue, seeking directions to prevent divisive comments by persons holding constitutional posts.
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