A fresh writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court under Article 32 seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speeches targeting Bengali-origin Muslims in the state.
The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for urgent listing, and the Court has agreed to list it along with an earlier petition raising similar concerns.
A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speeches targeting Bengali-origin Muslims. The petition, filed by four petitioners including a former DGP and a retired academic, has been listed for hearing by the Court.
Who Filed the Petition?
The petitioners include:
- Retired academic Dr. Hiren Gohain
- Former Assam Director General of Police Harekrishna Deka
- Northeast Now Editor-in-Chief Paresh Chandra Malakar
- Senior advocate Santanu Borthakur
According to reports, the petition alleges that the Chief Minister’s speeches, press statements and social media posts have incited discrimination and social and economic boycott against members of a minority community.
What the Petition Claims
The plea alleges that certain remarks made by the Chief Minister used derogatory terms and advocated social and economic exclusion.
It refers to statements linked to the summary revision of Assam’s electoral rolls in January 2026 and cites remarks allegedly calling for curbing “Miya votes.” It also mentions a February 7 video showing the Chief Minister with a firearm and using the phrase “point blank shoot,” which the petitioners claim targeted a particular community.
The petition argues that the alleged speeches disclose offences related to promoting enmity and inciting violence.
Earlier Pleas and Court Proceedings
A day before this petition, CPI(M) and CPI had also sought registration of an FIR and a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into similar allegations.
Advocate Rupali Samuel mentioned the fresh matter before the Chief Justice, requesting urgent listing alongside the earlier plea. The Court agreed to list it.
No substantive order has been passed yet on the merits of the case.
Relevance for Guwahati and Assam
As the Chief Minister’s office is based in Guwahati, developments in the case have direct administrative and political significance for the city.
The proceedings also come amid heightened political activity in Assam, including electoral roll revisions and legal challenges linked to public statements.
Any direction from the Supreme Court regarding FIR registration or investigation could have statewide implications.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter after formal listing.
The Court may examine whether directions are required for registration of an FIR or further investigation, based on arguments presented by both sides.
Further updates will depend on the outcome of upcoming hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the fresh petition against the Assam Chief Minister?
Dr. Hiren Gohain, former Assam DGP Harekrishna Deka, Paresh Chandra Malakar and senior advocate Santanu Borthakur filed the petition.
Has the Supreme Court ordered an FIR yet?
No. The Court has agreed to list the matter for hearing, but has not passed any order on registration of an FIR so far.