New Delhi, February 14 The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions on Monday seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video allegedly showing him aiming and firing with a rifle at members of a particular community.
According to the apex court's cause list, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is likely to hear the matter.
The top court had on February 10 agreed to consider listing a plea by Left leaders seeking action against Sarma.
Referring to the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, the top court said that the problem is that a part of the elections is fought before it.
It had taken note of the submissions of lawyer Nizam Pasha, appearing for several CPI and CPI(M) leaders, against Sarma and said it will consider listing the plea.
The video purportedly showing Sarma aiming with a rifle and firing at two people, one wearing a skull cap and the other with a beard, was shared by the Assam BJP on its official X handle on February 7.
The controversial post sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation. The BJP deleted it after it was accused of inciting violence and communal hatred.
Separate pleas have been filed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and CPI leader Annie Raja seeking the registration of FIRs against Sarma for alleged hate speech aimed at communal polarisation.
They also sought the setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) by the top court, arguing that an independent probe was not expected from state and central agencies.
The pleas, listed in chronological order, alleged provocative speeches and statements made by Sarma.
Earlier, a separate petition was filed by 12 people on the issue, seeking directions to prevent divisive comments by persons holding constitutional posts.
