New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a batch of petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video that allegedly shows him aiming and firing a rifle at individuals belonging to a particular community.
The matter is listed before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. On February 10, the bench had agreed to consider listing a plea moved by Left leaders seeking action against Sarma.
During the earlier hearing, the court had referred to the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam and observed that part of the electoral contest appeared to be unfolding in advance. It took note of submissions made by advocate Nizam Pasha, representing certain leaders of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and indicated that the plea would be listed for hearing.
The video in question, purportedly showing Sarma aiming and firing at two individuals—one wearing a skull cap and another sporting a beard—was shared on February 7 from the official X handle of the Bharatiya Janata Party Assam unit. The post triggered widespread criticism and was later deleted after allegations that it promoted communal division and incited violence.
Separate petitions have been filed by CPI(M) and CPI leader Annie Raja, seeking registration of FIRs against Sarma for alleged hate speech aimed at communal polarisation. The petitioners have also requested the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the apex court, arguing that an impartial probe may not be feasible through state or central agencies.
The pleas, arranged chronologically, cite several allegedly provocative speeches and remarks attributed to the Chief Minister. Earlier, a separate petition by 12 individuals had sought directions from the court to restrain constitutional functionaries from making divisive public statements.
The Supreme Court is expected to consider these submissions during Monday’s proceedings.
