The Gauhati High Court on Thursday asked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond to multiple petitions that accuse him of making hate speeches against the Muslim community.
A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury heard the matter. After initial arguments, the Bench directed Sarma, the Assam government and the Centre to file their responses. The court fixed the next hearing for April.
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Petitioners Cite Specific Speeches
Senior Advocate CU Singh, appearing for some petitioners, argued that Sarma made repeated remarks targeting Miya Muslims in Assam. He claimed that the Chief Minister spoke about restricting voting rights of the community. He also referred to statements about revising voter lists.
The Bench noted that some remarks cited in the petitions appeared to show a possible “fissiparous tendency.” However, the judges clarified that they would examine all materials before forming any opinion.
One petition refers to a January 27 speech. In that speech, Sarma allegedly said that several lakh Miya voters would be removed from electoral rolls. The pleas also mention a February 7 video shared by the BJP’s Assam unit. The video reportedly showed animated visuals with phrases such as “Point blank shot” and “No Mercy.”
Senior Advocates Present Arguments
The Congress party, Assamese scholar Hiren Gohain, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and others filed the petitions. They approached the High Court after the Supreme Court asked them to move the state court first.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that Sarma’s statements reveal a consistent pattern. He said the remarks conflict with the constitutional duties of a Chief Minister. Singhvi added that even though the video was later deleted, it had already crossed one million views.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora also addressed the court. She argued that the Chief Minister’s statements repeatedly targeted a specific community. She cited instances where Sarma allegedly linked certain events and institutions to members of the Muslim community.
Constitutional Issues in Focus
The petitioners contend that such remarks violate constitutional values of secularism and equality. They argue that these statements may disturb communal harmony and public order.
At this stage, the High Court has only sought responses from the concerned parties. The judges will review submissions in the next hearing.
The case now moves to April, when the Bench will consider the replies and decide the future course of action.
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