Assam CM’s Alleged Hate Speech Under Scrutiny as High Court Grants Extension for Government’s Response

The Gauhati High Court has granted an extension of four weeks for the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond to legal petitions alleging hate speech against Muslims. This decision comes amidst growing concerns regarding Sarma’s continued inflammatory comments despite a previous notice issued by the court earlier this year.

During a recent hearing, advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the petitioners, argued that Sarma has persisted in making “religiously provocative and incendiary remarks” even after the High Court’s admonition in February. Singhvi emphasized that the Chief Minister appears to harbor a mindset that specifically targets a minority group, asserting, “A constitutional functionary is supposed to maintain peace and balance. In his eyes, there is no regulatory, judicial, adjudicatory framework at all.”

Highlighting the potential implications of Sarma’s rhetoric, Singhvi filed an additional note referencing comments made by the Chief Minister in March and April that continued to utilize the term “Miya”—a label perceived by many as derogatory towards Bengali-origin Muslims in Assam. The petitioners are now calling for the court to impose interim measures to curtail Sarma’s public speeches, a request that the court ultimately chose not to grant. However, the judges did indicate that evasion of a response from Sarma’s side would not be tolerated.

The court’s next hearing is scheduled for May 28, marking another pivotal moment in a case that has garnered significant public interest. Since January, Sarma has made a series of controversial statements aimed at Bengali Muslims, stirring debates about communal harmony in a state that has seen its share of ethnic tensions.

As the political landscape in Assam continues to evolve, the ramifications of this case could have broader implications for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its approach toward minority communities. Observers are keenly watching how this legal battle unfolds, especially given the sensitive nature of the issues at hand.

Source: scroll.in