‘Don’t undermine High Court’: SC rejects pleas against Assam CM over viral 'shooting' video

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video purportedly showing him taking aim and firing a rifle at members of a particular community. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, directed the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court and asked the High Court’s chief justice to expedite the hearing.

Questioning why the petitioners had not first moved the High Court, the bench observed that its authority should not be undermined. The court remarked that it was becoming a trend for matters to be brought directly before it, especially ahead of elections, and stressed the need for parties to exercise restraint and remain within the bounds of constitutional morality.

During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, argued that Sarma was a “habitual and repeat offender” and urged the court to take cognisance of the matter. The bench, however, declined to intervene at this stage and reiterated that the appropriate forum was the Gauhati High Court.

The controversy stems from a video shared on February 7 from the official X handle of the Assam BJP, which allegedly showed Sarma firing a rifle at images of two individuals, one wearing a skull cap and another with a beard. The post, which carried the caption “point blank shot”, triggered political outrage and was later deleted by the party amid criticism.

Separate pleas filed by CPI(M) and CPI leader Annie Raja sought registration of FIRs against the Chief Minister for alleged hate speech and communal polarisation, along with a request for a court-monitored special investigation team. The apex court had earlier indicated it would consider listing the matter but on Monday directed petitioners to pursue their grievances before the High Court.