Gauhati High Court Seeks Assam Government’s Response on Plea Against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Alleged Hate Speech

The Gauhati High Court has taken a firm stand while hearing a petition seeking action against Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speech.

A bench led by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi questioned why the state government and police had not submitted their response despite being issued notice earlier. The court directed the authorities to file their reply before the next hearing.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that the Chief Minister continued to make controversial remarks even after receiving the notice. He alleged that the use of certain terms targeting a particular community was inappropriate for someone holding a constitutional position.

Singhvi urged the court to issue an interim order to restrain such statements. The bench also raised concerns over the absence of the state’s Advocate General during the hearing and stressed that a response must be filed without further delay.

During the proceedings, the Chief Justice observed that the election period had already passed. In response, Singhvi argued that such remarks were not limited to election periods and continued beyond them. He also informed the court that he could not read the statements aloud due to their nature and instead submitted a written note.

The court allowed the petitioner to place the contents of the note on record through an affidavit.

The High Court has granted the Assam government four weeks to file its response. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on May 28, where the court will examine the legal aspects of the Chief Minister’s statements, with reference to relevant directions of the Supreme Court.