The Supreme Court will on February 16 hear a series of petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a video in which he allegedly fired shots at members of a particular community during an election rally.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Joymalya Bagki is likely to take up the matter, court sources said. The petitions also include one filed by CPI(M) leader Nizam Pasha seeking registration of an FIR against the chief minister over his alleged remarks.
The controversy focuses on a video allegedly recorded at a recent election rally in Assam. In the video, Salma can be heard commenting about firing at two people. The video was shared on the Assam Bharatiya Janata Party’s official social media handle on February 7, sparking sharp political reactions and allegations of hate speech. The post was later deleted, but the clip was reportedly downloaded by multiple users and spread widely.
Another petition was also filed by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and CPI leader Annie Raja seeking directions for registration of FIR.
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The petitioners have expressed concern over the alleged polarization of the community and have sought the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arguing that a fair and independent investigation may not be possible in state or central agencies.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had indicated that it would consider listing the petition. In doing so, the court noted that parts of the electoral process are often challenged in court, especially in the run-up to parliamentary elections.
A separate petition has been filed by 12 people seeking directions to restrain constitutional officeholders from making divisive or inflammatory statements during elections.
The case is expected to attract considerable legal and political attention as the court considers the extent of liability and the legal remedies sought by the petitioners, especially as Assam assembly elections approach.
