“CM who spreads hatred”: Justice Govind Mathur slams Himanta Sarma’s remarks on Miya Muslims
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Justice (Retd) Govind Mathur, has condemned recent remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeting the Miya Muslim community, calling the statements unconstitutional, divisive and unacceptable in a democratic society.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Justice Mathur described the chief minister’s comments in which Sarma had said Miya Muslims should be “troubled” so that they leave Assam as “highly condemnable” and “outrageous”. He said it was concerning that a constitutional authority was repeatedly making what he termed irresponsible and inflammatory remarks.
Justice Mathur said the statements amounted to an attempt to divide citizens on the basis of religion and violated the basic principles of India’s constitutional framework. Referring to fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, he pointed out that Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on religious grounds, and Article 21 protects the dignity of every individual.
“As Chief Minister, Mr Sarma has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, and his words carry the authority of the state,” the former chief justice said. He warned that rhetoric promoting fear, exclusion or hatred undermines constitutional morality and weakens the foundations of the Indian Republic.
Justice Mathur further stated that communal remarks by those holding public office normalise prejudice and encourage hatred in society, which he said has no place in a constitutional democracy. Leaders who divide citizens along religious lines, he added, act against India’s pluralistic ethos and federal responsibility.
Questioning the suitability of a constitutional office-holder who departs from principles of impartiality and equality, Justice Mathur said India’s strength lies in unity, reason and the rule of law, not in communal polarisation. He asserted that spreading communal hatred amounts to a punishable offence under the law and said it was time to demand accountability from those in power.
Justice Mathur also added that it was high time to demand resignation of a “Chief Minister who spreads communal hatred which is a crime under our law”.
The statement comes amid widespread criticism of Chief Minister Sarma’s recent remarks on the Special Revision and proposed Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Assam, during which he openly spoke about targeting Miya Muslims a term commonly used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in the state and removing their names from voter lists. Opposition parties and civil rights groups have also accused the Assam government of encouraging discrimination and harassment through the electoral revision process.
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Bengaluru: PUC student dies by suicide, hours after results were declared
Bengaluru (PTI): A second-year Pre-University Course student allegedly died by suicide at her residence here, hours after the exam results were announced, police said on Friday.
Tanushree (17), a science student, reportedly failed in three subjects, which is suspected to be the trigger behind her taking such an extreme step, they said.
However, no suicide note was recovered from the spot, except her hall ticket, which was found lying on the bed.
According to police, the incident came to light on Thursday around 3.30 pm, shortly after the results were announced.
She hung herself from the ceiling fan when no one was at home. Her mother had gone to work, a senior police officer said.
Citing preliminary inquiry, the officer said it is a clear-cut case of suicide. She was apparently distressed over failing in three subjects and had also called her friends to discuss the same.
When she did not respond to their calls and messages later, her friends decided to check on her, he said.
Based on her mother's complaint, a case of unnatural death has been filed, with Hebbal police investigation indicating it to be a case of suicide, police added.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
