'Part of election is fought in Supreme Court': CJI on plea against Assam CM Himanta over 'point-blank' video

NEW DELHI: Leaders from the Left parties on Tuesday approached the Supreme Court seeking action against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a now-deleted video that allegedly depicted violence against Muslims.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria took note of the plea after senior advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for CPI and CPM leaders, requested urgent intervention. Pasha informed the court that the petitioners had filed complaints regarding the video but no FIR had been registered so far.“We seek urgent intervention of this court with respect to disturbing speeches made by sitting CM of Assam, including a recent video posted where he is shown as shooting at members of a particular community. Complaints filed, but no FIR is registered,” the lawyer submitted.Responding to the request, the CJI remarked that such petitions often coincide with the election season.“The problem is, as soon as elections come, part of the election is fought in the Supreme Court. That is the problem. We will find out and will give a date,” he said.The controversy relates to a video shared on February 7 from the official X handle of the Assam BJP. The clip purportedly showed Sarma taking aim with a rifle and firing at two individuals — one wearing a skull cap and the other sporting a beard — with the caption “point-blank shot.”The post triggered widespread backlash and allegations that it promoted communal hatred. Following the uproar, the BJP deleted the video from its social media account.Asked about the matter, Sarma denied having any knowledge of the video.“I don’t know anything about any video,” the chief minister said when questioned by reporters.The Supreme Court is expected to decide on a date for hearing the matter in the coming days.