The Supreme Court of India will on February 16 hear a batch of petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over allegations of hate speech and an allegedly objectionable video that circulated on social media. The petitions have urged the top court to direct the registration of an FIR and order an independent investigation, contending that the remarks and visuals attributed to the Chief Minister were inflammatory and targeted a particular community. The pleas, filed by political leaders, civil society members and rights groups, argue that no impartial probe can be expected from state authorities as the accused holds the highest executive office in Assam. They have also sought broader guidelines to curb divisive speech by constitutional functionaries. The matter has been listed before a Supreme Court bench for detailed hearing, with the case drawing significant attention due to its political and communal sensitivities and its potential implications for free speech, accountability of public officials and the rule of law.
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