Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Pleas Against Assam CM, Directs Petitioners to Gauhati High Court

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the controversial “point-blank shot” video, directing the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court instead.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said bypassing the High Court was a “disturbing trend” and warned against undermining its authority, especially ahead of elections. The court said High Courts are competent to handle such matters and requested the Gauhati High Court Chief Justice to expedite the hearing if a petition is filed there.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued for Supreme Court intervention under Article 32, alleging serious constitutional violations, but the bench rejected the plea. The court also dismissed suggestions to move the case to a High Court outside Assam.

The controversy relates to a video shared by Assam BJP on February 7, allegedly showing Sarma firing a rifle, which drew opposition allegations of communal polarisation. With the apex court declining to intervene, the matter is now expected to be taken up by the Gauhati High Court.