The Gauhati High Court on April 21 recorded the Assam government’s assurance that it will file its response in a batch of public interest litigations (PILs) alleging “hate speech” by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The matter is being heard in Guwahati and has been scheduled for further hearing on May 28.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury directed the state to submit its affidavit before the next hearing and share it in advance with the petitioners.
The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to file its response in the PILs alleging hate speech by the Chief Minister, with the next hearing scheduled for May 28 in Guwahati.
Gauhati High Court Directs State to Respond
During the hearing:
- The court noted the Assam government’s assurance to file a reply
- Directed submission of a response affidavit
- Ordered that the affidavit be shared with petitioners in advance
The case is being closely followed in Guwahati’s legal and political circles.
Next Hearing Scheduled in Guwahati
The High Court fixed:
- Next hearing date: May 28
- Proceedings to continue based on the state’s response
Background of the Case
The PILs were first heard on February 26, when the bench:
- Issued notices to the Chief Minister, the Centre, the Assam government, and the DGP
- Observed concerns over what it described as a “fissiparous tendency” in the issues raised
Petitioners Include Prominent Figures
The petitions have been filed by:
- Hiren Gohain (Sahitya Akademi awardee)
- Harekrishna Deka (former DGP)
- Paresh Malakar (senior journalist)
Separate petitions have also been submitted by:
- Communist Party of India (CPI)
- Communist Party of India (Marxist)
The court, however, did not issue notice to the BJP at this stage.
Political Context
The case comes amid a politically sensitive period:
- Assembly elections held on April 9
- Results scheduled for May 4
This has added to the attention around the proceedings in Guwahati.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The development is significant because:
- The case is being heard at the Gauhati High Court
- It involves public interest and political discourse in Assam
- It may influence legal interpretations around speech and accountability
What Happens Next
- Assam government will file its affidavit
- Petitioners will review and respond
- The court will take up the matter again on May 28
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gauhati High Court hearing about?
The court is hearing PILs alleging hate speech by the Assam Chief Minister.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is set for May 28 in the Gauhati High Court.