The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions on February 16 seeking action against Himanta Biswa Sarma over a controversial viral video allegedly showing him making remarks about firing at members of a particular community.
According to the apex court’s cause list, a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is likely to take up the matter. The court had earlier agreed to consider listing the pleas after submissions were made by advocate Nizam Pasha on behalf of certain Left leaders.
The petitions seek the registration of an FIR and an independent probe into the alleged hate speech. Some petitioners have also demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arguing that a fair inquiry may not be possible through state or central agencies.
The controversy stems from a video shared on the official social media handle of the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 7, which purportedly showed Sarma taking aim with a rifle and firing at two individuals, one wearing a skull cap and the other sporting a beard. The post sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation before being deleted amid accusations of inciting violence and communal hatred.
Separate pleas have been filed by leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India, including Annie Raja, alleging provocative speeches aimed at communal polarisation. Additionally, a petition by 12 individuals has sought directions to prevent holders of the constitutional office from making divisive statements.
During an earlier hearing, the Chief Justice observed that “part of the election is fought in the Supreme Court” as the issue arises ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, underscoring the intersection of politics and legal scrutiny.
