Assam Citizens Petition Supreme Court Over CM Himanta Sarma's Alleged Hate Speeches
A group of citizens from Assam has approached the Supreme Court of India, urging it to enforce its previous directive that mandates the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) in cases involving hate speech. The petition specifically highlights various instances of alleged hate speeches by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, including a recent controversial video featuring him.
Compilation of Controversial Statements
The petitioners have compiled a series of controversial statements attributed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. They allege that he has repeatedly advocated for the social and economic boycott of the Muslim community. Furthermore, the petition claims that Sarma has used derogatory terms such as "Miya" and "Bangladeshi" when referring to members of this community. These actions, according to the petitioners, constitute clear violations of constitutional norms and have prompted their call for judicial intervention.
Details of the Petition and Petitioners
The petition was filed by a distinguished group of individuals from Assam, including:
- Former professor Hiren Gohain
- Former Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam, Harekrishna Deka
- Senior journalist Paresh Chandra Malakar
- Senior advocate Santanu Borthakur
They were represented in court by their advocate, Yash S Vijay. The plea emphasizes that the petitioners felt compelled to seek the Supreme Court's intervention to halt what they describe as ongoing and repeated hate speeches by the Chief Minister.
Constitutional Concerns and Legal Arguments
In their petition, the citizens argue that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is sullying his high constitutional office and violating his constitutional oath by engaging in blatant hate speech against a minority community in Assam. The plea states that his speeches and videos overtly incite violence against the Muslim community and instigate civilians to act against them. This, they contend, not only undermines communal harmony but also flouts the Supreme Court's earlier orders regarding the mandatory registration of FIRs in hate speech cases.
The petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to take immediate action to restrain the Chief Minister from targeting the community further. They stress that such behavior from a person holding a constitutional position sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to increased social tensions and violence. The case brings to the forefront critical issues of free speech, constitutional morality, and the responsibilities of public officials in a diverse democracy like India.
