Guwahati: 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 taking aim with a rifle and firing at individuals identified as belonging to a particular community.
As per the apex court’s cause list, the matter is likely to be taken up by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
On February 10, the top court had agreed to consider listing a plea filed by Left leaders seeking legal action against the chief minister. During the brief hearing, the court remarked that in the run-up to assembly elections, “a part of the election is fought before it,” in an apparent reference to the political context surrounding the controversy.
The plea was mentioned by advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for leaders of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], who alleged that the video and related statements warranted judicial intervention.
The video in question was shared on February 7 through the official X handle of the Assam BJP. It purportedly shows Sarma aiming and firing a rifle at two individuals — one wearing a skullcap and another sporting a beard. The post triggered sharp political reactions and allegations of promoting communal discord. It was later deleted following widespread criticism and accusations of inciting violence.
Separate petitions have been filed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and CPI leader Annie Raja, seeking registration of FIRs against the Chief Minister for alleged hate speech and attempts at communal polarisation. The petitioners have also sought the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), contending that an impartial probe cannot be expected from state or central agencies.
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The pleas, listed chronologically before the court, cite a series of allegedly provocative speeches and public statements attributed to Sarma.
