Gauhati HC issues notice to Assam CM Himanta for ‘hate speech’
The Hindu
Gauhati High Court issues notice to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over alleged hate speech against the 'miya' community.
The Gauhati High Court on Thursday (February 26, 2026) issued a notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after hearing multiple petitions seeking action against him for alleged hate speeches targeting Muslims whom the Chief Minister addresses as the ‘miya’ community.
Miya is a pejorative term commonly used in Assam to refer to Bengali-speaking or Bengali-origin Muslims. The Chief Minister has gone on record to say that the word means “illegal immigrants”.
A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury, heard senior advocates representing the petitioners and directed that notices be served to the Chief Minister, as well as the Central and the Assam governments. The next hearing is scheduled for April 21.
The petitioners include the Congress party, Assamese scholar Hiren Gohain, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), who had initially approached the Supreme Court. The apex court advised them to go to the high court.
Reining in a bigot: On the Assam Chief Minister’s incendiary rhetoric
Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Chander Uday Singh and Meenakshi Arora argued that Mr. Sarma made provocative and threatening statements against Muslims in Assam. They pointed to a video (now deleted) shared on X showing the Chief Minister symbolically shooting at people wearing skull caps and told the court about his reported plans to manipulate the voters’ list, an alleged threat to restrict voting rights, and a call for an economic boycott of the community.
The government plans to amend the FCRA, introducing new regulations for NGO asset management and accountability for key functionaries.
The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.
Police Observer Sushant Kumar Saxena conducts surprise inspection at Shencottai police station, reviewing warrants and security arrangements ahead of elections.
Andhra Pradesh government to launch key projects in April, focusing on industrial growth and infrastructure development, says Nara Lokesh.
Lok Sabha refers the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill to a JPC amid opposition concerns over CSR provisions dilution.
SHG members in Kanniyakumari use snakes and ladders to raise election awareness and boost voter turnout.
Government accelerates consultations for early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act to ensure women’s representation in 2029 elections.
CM A. Revanth Reddy distributes ₹1 crore insurance cheques to families of deceased Electricity department employees, enhancing financial security for workers.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered 634 cases of drunk driving during a week-long special enforcement drive conducted across the city between March 16 and March 22.
GHMC intensifies action against property tax defaulters, seizing properties and offering a One Time Settlement scheme for payments.
CCB arrests three drug peddlers in Mangaluru, seizing ₹2.5 lakh worth of MDMA and other valuables.
TVK's 28 candidates in Puducherry include former BJP MLAs, a sitting Independent, and a retired police IG.
BRS submits notice on private member bill to Speaker