A Delhi court has issued a notice to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding a plea for filing an FIR against him for alleged hate speech made during an event.
Delhi Court Issues Notice to CM Sarma Over Hate Speech FIR Plea
A Delhi magistrate court has issued a notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asking for his response to a plea filed by activist Harsh Mander, which seeks the registration of a first information report (FIR) against him for hate speech. The case arises after Mander's initial application was rejected by a lower magistrate, prompting him to escalate the matter to the sessions court.
The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Sonu Agnihotri, has scheduled the next hearing for July 15. The plea stems from statements made by Sarma during a public event, raising significant questions regarding the boundaries of free speech and accountability of public officials.
This proceeding is particularly relevant for practitioners involved in constitutional and criminal law, as it addresses the critical intersection of hate speech laws and political discourse in India. Legal professionals should monitor this case closely given its potential wider implications for freedom of expression and political accountability.
Citations
- Harsh Mander v. Himanta Biswa Sarma (2026) Delhi Court
