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Assam CM Faces Hate Speech Allegations in Court

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. m-cm-faces-hate-speech-allegations-in-court.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 12:36 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Assam, INDIA

Guwahati, Assam - February 26, 2026 - The Gauhati High Court today issued a formal notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, compelling him to respond to allegations of hate speech stemming from a series of recent public statements. The notice follows the filing of three Public Interest Litigations (PILs) by advocate Upen Borah, who argues that Sarma's rhetoric violates constitutional principles of secularism and equality, and actively fosters communal discord within the state.

This development marks a significant escalation in the growing scrutiny surrounding increasingly assertive - and to some, inflammatory - political discourse in Assam. While Sarma's supporters maintain his statements are aimed at highlighting legitimate concerns regarding demographic shifts and illegal immigration, critics allege a deliberate strategy to polarize communities and consolidate political power by exploiting existing anxieties. The PILs specifically focus on statements made by the Chief Minister pertaining to minority communities, particularly regarding their perceived impact on Assam's cultural identity and socio-economic landscape.

Advocate Borah, speaking to reporters after the court proceedings, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "These statements aren't merely political posturing," he stated. "They are calculated attempts to demonize specific communities, fostering an atmosphere of fear and distrust. This directly contravenes the fundamental principles enshrined in our Constitution." He further pointed to a recent uptick in localized tensions and online hate speech following Sarma's remarks, suggesting a direct correlation between the rhetoric and real-world consequences.

The core of the legal challenge revolves around Article 14 (equality before the law), Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) of the Indian Constitution. Borah argues that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it is not absolute and cannot be exercised to incite hatred or violence against any community. He contends that Sarma's statements have crossed this line, actively promoting animosity and potentially jeopardizing the social fabric of Assam.

The court has given Sarma four weeks to file a detailed reply, outlining the context and justification for his statements. Legal experts anticipate a robust defense from the Chief Minister's team, likely arguing that the statements were misinterpreted or taken out of context, and that they were made in the public interest to address genuine concerns about the state's demographics. They will likely frame the discourse as a necessary conversation about preserving Assam's unique identity in the face of perceived threats.

However, the timing of these PILs is particularly noteworthy. Assam has witnessed a surge in communal tensions in recent years, fueled by debates surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The implementation of these policies has created a climate of uncertainty and fear amongst certain communities, who feel particularly vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization. Sarma, a vocal advocate for both the CAA and NRC, has frequently used strong language in his public pronouncements, often framing the issues in terms of "protecting" the indigenous population from "outsiders."

The case also raises broader questions about the increasing trend of polarizing rhetoric in Indian politics. Several other states have seen similar instances of political leaders making controversial statements targeting minority communities. This has led to concerns about the erosion of secular values and the rise of majoritarian nationalism.

Civil society organizations and human rights activists have welcomed the Gauhati High Court's decision to issue notice to Sarma, viewing it as a crucial step towards accountability. They hope that the court will send a strong message that hate speech will not be tolerated, and that political leaders have a responsibility to promote harmony and inclusivity. The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for Assam, but for the broader national discourse on freedom of speech and communal harmony.