Supreme Court Rejects Plea Against Assam CM, Criticizes Pre-Poll Petitions

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2026-02-16 10:18:45 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-16 12:11:45

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In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed pleas seeking an investigation into a controversial video allegedly featuring Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The video, which went viral on social media, purportedly shows the Chief Minister instructing police to shoot protesters.

The three-judge bench, led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, declined to entertain the demands for a First Information Report (FIR) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, stating that the trend of approaching the apex court with such matters before elections is "disturbing." The court emphasized that the petitioners should have first approached the High Court with their grievances.

The petitioners, a group of lawyers and activists, had argued that the video was a threat to the democratic fabric of the country and demanded an independent probe. They claimed that the video, which was widely circulated on WhatsApp, showed the Chief Minister inciting violence and that his actions warranted criminal charges.

However, the Supreme Court bench expressed concern over the increasing number of petitions filed directly in the top court, especially around election time. Justice Kaul remarked, "This is a disturbing trend. Why do you come to the Supreme Court directly? You should have gone to the High Court first." The court's decision to reject the pleas highlights its commitment to procedural correctness and the proper hierarchy of the judicial system.

This move by the Supreme Court sets a precedent, emphasizing the importance of following the established legal process, particularly in politically sensitive matters. It remains to be seen whether the petitioners will now approach the Gauhati High Court and what impact this decision will have on future pre-election petitions.

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