Assam govt to respond to ‘hate speech’ PILs in high court by May 28

GUWAHATI: Gauhati High Court Tuesday directed the state govt and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond within four weeks to a bunch of PILs seeking action against the CM for alleged hate speeches against minority communities in the state.

A bench of Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury, while hearing three PILs separately filed by Assam State Council of Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Hirendranath Gohain and two others accusing of using hate speeches by CM Sarma, decided to club them for the hearing.

During proceedings of the case, advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for CPI (M) Assam unit, said CM Sarma made controversial remarks even after the High Court had formally issued notice on the issue in February this year.

Singhvi strongly urged the court to pass an interim order containing some observations of ‘hope and trust’ to ‘hold’ his speeches.

The Gauhati High Court on Feb 26 had earlier issued a notice to the Himanta Biswa Sarma on the PILs.

The petitioners alleged that despite the presence of public videos of alleged hate speeches of Sarma, Assam police have not filed a suo motu FIR and added that “such continued inaction……..creates a chilling effect on victims and witnesses, renders ordinary statutory remedies illusory, and fosters a climate of impunity”.

The petitioners have urged the court to give a direction to CM Sarma and party members to completely refrain from indulging in speech that instigates the social or economic boycott of any minority community in Assam and incites civilians to take law and order into their own hands.

The Assam govt assured the court they will file their reply soon.

“It has been submitted on behalf of the state that the response affidavit shall positively be filed by the next date,” the bench said and posted the case for its next hearing on May 28.
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