New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to entertain petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video allegedly showing him aiming and firing a rifle at members of a particular community.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, asked the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court instead. The court also requested the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to expedite the hearing if such a plea is filed.
“Why haven’t you gone to the Gauhati High Court? Don’t undermine its authority,” the Bench observed, adding that there is a growing trend of parties approaching the apex court directly, particularly ahead of elections.
The court remarked that high courts should not be bypassed, noting that several categories of cases have already been shifted away from them over time.
During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi urged the court to consider the matter, alleging repeated provocative conduct. The Bench, however, reiterated that the appropriate forum was the High Court.
Earlier on February 10, the top court had agreed to consider listing a plea filed by leaders of the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) seeking action against Sarma.
The controversy arose after a video was shared on the official X handle of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Assam unit on February 7. The clip purportedly showed Sarma firing a rifle at two individuals. The post drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, which accused it of promoting communal tensions. The BJP later deleted the video.
Separate petitions have sought registration of FIRs and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), alleging hate speech and attempts at communal polarisation. The pleas argue that an independent investigation may not be possible through state or central agencies.
