SC to hear plea against Assam CM over AI video targeting opposition MP

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider a plea filed by Left party leaders seeking urgent action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video that allegedly shows him aiming and firing a rifle at members of a particular community, including a major opposition MP. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria said it would examine the petition for urgent listing, though no specific date has yet been fixed for the hearing .

Chief Justice Kant remarked, “The problem is, as soon as elections come, part of the election is fought in the Supreme Court. That is the problem. We will find out and will give a date,” highlighting the judicial challenge of election-related cases.

Advocate Nizam Pasha , representing leaders of the CPI and CPI(M) , told the court that despite complaints being lodged regarding Sarma’s speeches and the video, no FIRs had been registered. “We seek urgent intervention of this court with respect to disturbing speeches made by the sitting CM of Assam, including a recent video where he is shown shooting at members of a particular community,” Pasha said.

The video, initially shared on the official Assam BJP X handle on February 7, reportedly depicts Sarma taking aim with a rifle at two men - one wearing a skull cap and the other with a beard - implying they belong to the Muslim community . Reports indicate that one of the men shown resembled Assam Congress chief and Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi , making the video not only communal in tone but also personally targeting a prominent opposition leader . Captions in the footage included provocative messages such as “Point blank shot,” “No mercy,” and “Why did you not go to Pakistan?” .

The post drew widespread outrage , with critics describing it as glorifying the killing of a religious community and threatening a political opponent. Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused Sarma of “inciting genocide” and demanded legal accountability. Asaduddin Owaisi , president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen , filed a police complaint, calling the video “genocidal hate speech.” The BJP later deleted the post amid criticism but did not publicly address the controversy.

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the plea is being closely watched, as it could set a precedent for judicial intervention in cases involving communalized online content, targeted political messaging, and digital media manipulation, especially during elections.