More than 40 prominent citizens have appealed to the Gauhati High Court to take suo motu notice of the recent controversial statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against Bengali-speaking Muslims. These citizens include academics, doctors, writers, and retired officials. They stated that the Chief Minister’s statements are not only hateful but also violate the fundamental principles of the Constitution. They warned that failure to take appropriate action against such inflammatory remarks would undermine the moral authority of the Constitution and public trust.
Case of Collective Insult and Social Discrimination
The appeal states that CM Sarma’s public statements, instead of showing leniency towards the ‘Miya’ community, are aimed at their social exclusion and economic harm. These remarks promote hatred and discrimination against the community. The appeal cites, as an example, the CM’s alleged statement urging people to pay lower fares to rickshaw drivers from this community. Concern was also raised about instructions allegedly given to BJP workers to file objections against Bengali-speaking Muslims during the special revision of electoral rolls.
Questions of Constitutionality and Governance Responsibility
The letter states that the oath of office taken by any Chief Minister demands that they govern without bias. However, the CM’s statements have targeted a community based on their religion, promoting social intolerance, which is against the secular principles of the Constitution. This situation violates fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and creates animosity in society. Furthermore, it attempts to give a biased or communal slant to the electoral process, which is a threat to democracy.
Demand for Protection and Justice from the Court
The signatories urged the court to take suo motu action in this matter and direct the concerned authorities to register cases against those making hate speeches. They also requested that necessary steps be taken to protect the dignity, security, and equality of the affected community. It has also been demanded that the court intervene immediately to maintain public trust in constitutional governance and the rule of law. This case is of utmost importance for upholding the values of the Constitution and protecting social harmony.
