The Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind has approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to regulate public statements made by constitutional office holders, flagging remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referring to “Miyas” during a recent speech.
In its submission before the apex court, the Jamiat cited a speech delivered by the Chief Minister in January, in which he allegedly stated that “four to five lakh Miya voters” would be removed during the ongoing revision of Assam’s electoral rolls. The organisation contended that the use of the term “Miya” — which it described as derogatory towards Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam — amounts to communal targeting and undermines constitutional values.
The petitioners argued that such remarks by a person holding constitutional office have the potential to polarise society, stigmatise a particular community, and erode public trust in democratic institutions. They urged the Supreme Court to frame binding guidelines to restrain constitutional functionaries from making statements that could be construed as divisive or inflammatory.
According to the plea, existing legal provisions addressing hate speech are often inadequately enforced, particularly when the remarks originate from influential public figures. The Jamiat maintained that stronger judicial safeguards are required to ensure accountability and protect the principles of equality, secularism and dignity enshrined in the Constitution.
The matter forms part of a broader petition pending before the Supreme Court seeking judicial intervention to curb alleged hate speech by public officials. The court has taken note of the submissions and is expected to consider the issue in due course.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Assam ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections and ongoing electoral roll revision exercises.
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