New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider listing a petition filed by Left leaders seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video allegedly showing him taking aim and firing a rifle at members of the Muslim community.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria took note of submissions made by advocate Nizam Pasha, who appeared for leaders of the CPI and CPI(M). The Bench said it would examine the matter and decide on a date for hearing.
Seeking urgent intervention, Pasha told the court that the sitting Chief Minister had made disturbing statements and shared a recent video in which he was allegedly depicted shooting at members of a particular community. He submitted that despite complaints being filed, no FIR had been registered so far.
Responding to the submissions, the CJI observed that such matters often reach the Supreme Court during election periods. “The problem is, as soon as elections come, part of the election is fought in the Supreme Court,” he said, adding that the court would look into the issue and fix a date.
The video in question, purportedly showing Sarma aiming and firing a rifle at two individuals—one wearing a skull cap and the other sporting a beard—was posted on the official X handle of the Assam BJP on February 7. The post triggered widespread political backlash and allegations of inciting communal hatred, following which it was deleted.
Separate petitions have been filed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and CPI leader Annie Raja seeking registration of FIRs against the Chief Minister for alleged hate speech and communal polarisation. The petitioners have also sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arguing that a fair and independent probe cannot be expected from state or central agencies.
The pleas refer to a series of allegedly provocative statements made by Sarma and have been placed before the court in chronological order. Earlier, another petition filed by 12 individuals had also sought directions to curb divisive remarks by holders of constitutional offices.
