Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil Among Eminent Citizens Urging Court Action on Alleged Hate Speech in Assam

Guwahati | February 5, 2026: Former Archbishop of Guwahati, Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, has joined a group of 43 eminent citizens in urging the Gauhati High Court to take suo motu cognisance of what they describe as repeated instances of hate speech and constitutional impropriety by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The appeal was made through a memorandum submitted to the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on Thursday. Archbishop Menamparampil, known nationally for his work in peacebuilding, reconciliation and defence of human dignity in conflict-prone regions, is one of the prominent signatories to the representation.

The memorandum alleges that several public statements attributed to the Chief Minister have targeted the Bengal-origin Muslim community, commonly referred to as the ‘Miya’ community. According to the signatories, such remarks go beyond political rhetoric and amount to dehumanisation, collective stigmatisation and encouragement of discrimination against a vulnerable group.

The citizens expressed particular concern over an alleged statement in which the Chief Minister reportedly urged people to make members of the community “suffer,” including by underpaying them for their labour. The memorandum argues that such remarks, especially when made by the State’s highest executive authority, amount to incitement to economic discrimination and violate the constitutional guarantee of the right to live with dignity under Article 21.

Archbishop Menamparampil and the other signatories also raised alarm over alleged executive interference in the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls in Assam. The memorandum cites statements attributed to the Chief Minister directing ruling party workers to file objections during the revision process, particularly against the Miya community, and urging officials to intensify scrutiny. The representation states that such actions undermine the neutrality of a constitutionally mandated, quasi-judicial process and threaten the integrity of free and fair elections.

Noting the absence of corrective action by Election Commission authorities, the memorandum contends that judicial intervention has become necessary. It argues that the cumulative impact of the alleged remarks and actions violates the principle of equality before the law under Article 14, erodes fraternity as enshrined in the Preamble, and undermines secularism, recognised by the Supreme Court as part of the Constitution’s basic structure.

The memorandum further alleges a breach of the constitutional oath under Article 164(3), which obliges the Chief Minister to act without fear or favour. Citing Supreme Court judgments, the signatories recalled that courts have mandated suo motu registration of cases in instances of hate speech, irrespective of the office held by the speaker.

Along with Archbishop Menamparampil, the memorandum has been signed by noted academician Prof. Hiren Gohain, former Director General of Police Harekrishna Deka, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, environmental scientist Dulal Chandra Goswami and other public figures. The citizens have urged the Gauhati High Court to direct registration of appropriate cases, ensure protection of the dignity and security of the affected community, and reaffirm constitutional discipline, secular governance and democratic values.

By Catholic Connect Reporter