Left Parties Approach Supreme Court Against Assam Chief Minister Over Hate Speech Allegations
In a significant legal development, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India have jointly filed petitions before the Supreme Court of India. The petitions, submitted on Tuesday, demand the immediate registration of First Information Reports and the establishment of a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Allegations of Hate Speech and Incitement to Violence
The core of the petitions revolves around serious accusations that Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly engaged in hate speech targeting minority communities. The left parties, represented by CPM leader Subhasini Ali and CPI leader Annie Raja, have compiled numerous speeches delivered by Sarma both within Assam and in other states.
The petitioners argue that when viewed collectively, these speeches constitute clear hate speech under legal definitions. They allege the speeches systematically degrade and demean minority communities, propagate false and stigmatizing stereotypes, incite social and economic boycotts, and create conditions that encourage exclusion and violence against these groups.
The Controversial 'Target Shooting' Video
A particularly alarming element highlighted in the petitions is a recent video that circulated on social media platforms. The video was reportedly posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Assam Bharatiya Janata Party.
The footage allegedly shows Chief Minister Sarma discharging a firearm toward an animated image depicting two visibly Muslim men positioned within the crosshairs of the weapon. Following this, their photograph is shown being struck by successive gunshots. The video is accompanied by phrases including 'point blank shot' and 'no mercy,' which the petitioners argue constitutes a direct threat of violence against a religious minority.
Urgent Hearing Requested Before Supreme Court
Advocate Mohd Nizamuddin Pasha, representing the petitioners, presented the case before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. He emphasized the urgent nature of the matter, stating that threats of violence against minority communities have come directly from a constitutional post holder who is legally obligated to uphold constitutional mandates.
CJI Surya Kant acknowledged the petitions and stated they would be listed for hearing as early as possible, after any procedural defects are addressed by the petitioners. However, the Chief Justice also noted a concerning trend where such petitions are increasingly becoming a norm to settle political scores in courtrooms ahead of elections.
'As and when elections take place, the same atmosphere pervades the Supreme Court,' CJI Kant observed, highlighting the politicization of legal processes during election seasons.
Constitutional Responsibilities and Legal Accountability
The petitions stress that as Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma holds a constitutional office with significant responsibilities. The left parties argue that his alleged statements and actions violate constitutional principles of equality, secularism, and protection of minority rights.
They contend that allowing such behavior from high constitutional authorities sets dangerous precedents and undermines the rule of law. The demand for an SIT probe reflects their position that only an independent investigation can properly examine the serious allegations against the Chief Minister.
The case represents a critical test of India's legal mechanisms for holding elected officials accountable for speech that may incite violence or discrimination against minority communities. The Supreme Court's eventual ruling could have significant implications for political discourse and constitutional governance in India.
