Communal Consequences: On SC Petition Against Assam CM

Four Assamese individuals recently approached the Supreme Court seeking the registration of an FIR and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that his public statements amount to hate speech. The petition has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows citizens to directly move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights. The petitioners include retired academician Dr. Hiren Gohain, former Assam DGP Harekrishna Deka, senior journalist Paresh Chandra Malakar, and senior advocate Santanu Borthakur. They argue that repeated speeches and public remarks by the Chief Minister have targeted specific communities and contributed to communal polarisation in the state.

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According to the plea, despite complaints being raised earlier, no FIR has been registered against the Chief Minister. The petitioners contend that an independent investigation is necessary, stating that state machinery cannot be expected to act impartially when the allegations concern the sitting head of the government. The matter places the focus once again on the limits of political speech and the responsibility of elected officials. While political leaders are often given wide latitude during public addresses, the petition argues that constitutional offices carry a higher standard of restraint, particularly when statements risk deepening social divisions.