The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging recent remarks allegedly made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he used the term “Miya” while referring to Muslims.
The plea, filed by Jamiat president Maulana Mahmood Madani, contends that the term “Miya” is commonly used in Assam as a derogatory reference to Muslims. It argues that when such language is employed by a person holding a high constitutional office, it cannot be dismissed as political rhetoric or protected speech.
According to the petition, such remarks amount to a “deliberate attempt to spread hatred, create hostility, and stigmatise an entire community.” A press statement issued by the organisation said the comments undermine constitutional values and contribute to communal polarisation.
The petition specifically refers to a speech delivered by the Assam Chief Minister on January 27, 2026, in which he allegedly stated that four to five lakh “Miya” voters would be removed from electoral rolls and declared that he and his party were “directly against the Miya community.”
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has urged the apex court to frame regulatory guidelines for constitutional functionaries to ensure that no individual uses their official position to promote communal hatred, incite public animosity, or vilify any community.
The organisation further submitted that such statements violate the constitutional principles of equality, fraternity, secularism, and human dignity, and therefore cannot be shielded under the right to freedom of speech. It also expressed concern that speeches targeting the Muslim community have continued despite repeated suo motu directions issued by the Supreme Court to curb hate speech.
“The Court must consider regulatory guidelines to keep a check on persons holding constitutional positions who deliver speeches communal in nature, targeting or demonising communities,” the plea states, adding that such measures are essential to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no one is above constitutional norms.
The petition has been filed through Advocate Farrukh Rasheed, with written submissions prepared by Senior Advocate M.R. Shamshad.
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