Daily Signals : Gauhati High Court Issues Notice to Assam CM Over Alleged Hate Speech Remarks

Gauhati High Court Issues Notice to Assam CM What’s new: The Gauhati High Court has issued formal notices to Himanta Biswa Sarma after multiple Public Interest Litigations alleged that a series of his public remarks targeting Muslims amount to hate speech and violate constitutional protections.

The big picture: During a preliminary hearing, a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar observed that the statements cited by petitioners appear to reflect a “fissiparous tendency,” judicial language suggesting concern that the remarks may contribute to social division. The court has sought responses from the Chief Minister, the Government of Assam and the Union Government. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in April 2026.

Driving the news: The petitions argue that several speeches made since 2023 targeted Muslims in Assam, particularly Bengali origin Muslims. The pleas contend that the remarks may violate Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before law and prohibit discrimination. Petitioners allege that certain statements suggested economic boycotts and aggressive administrative action against sections of the community. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court declined to hear related petitions directly and directed the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court instead.

What they’re saying: The High Court has not made any determination on the merits of the allegations. Issuing notice indicates that it found sufficient grounds to examine the matter further. The Chief Minister has previously defended his remarks in public forums as being aimed at illegal infiltration and law and order concerns rather than any religious community. His formal response to the court is awaited.

The other side: Supporters argue that political leaders retain wide latitude in public speech, especially on issues such as demographic change and border security. Petitioners counter that holders of constitutional office carry a heightened obligation to avoid language that could inflame communal tensions.

State of play: No interim relief has been granted at this stage. The court will now examine whether the remarks meet the legal threshold for hate speech under Indian law and whether any further directions are warranted.

What’s next: The respondents are expected to file their replies before the next hearing. The proceedings could shape broader judicial thinking on the accountability of high constitutional functionaries for public speech. Karvaan India will continue to track the case.