A Delhi court on Tuesday (May 27, 2026) issued notices to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Delhi Police in connection with a plea filed by activist Harsh Mander seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the BJP leader over alleged hate speech.

According to the petitioner, Mr. Sarma delivered a speech on January 27 in Digboi, Assam where had said that “four to five lakh Miya voters” would be removed from electoral rolls as part of the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the State. It is further alleged that the Assam Chief Minister had urged people to make life difficult for “Miyas”, reportedly stating that they would leave the State only if subjected to hardships. The complaint also cited remarks allegedly suggesting efforts to prevent them from voting in Assam.

FIR under several provisions

Mr. Mander sought registration of an FIR under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those dealing with promoting enmity between groups, statements prejudicial to national integration, deliberate acts intended to outrage religious sentiments, and public mischief.

The activist had initially approached the Saket court seeking an FIR over the remarks but the application was rejected by the Judicial Magistrate First Class Bhanu Pratap Singh who observed that the statements were made outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction. The court also noted that no material had been produced to demonstrate that the remarks had led to enmity, disharmony, or incitement within its jurisdiction.

Section 173(1)

Mr. Mander challenged the magistrate court arguing that Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) permits information relating to a cognisable offence to be furnished to any police station, irrespective of where the incident occurred.

The appeal also referred to provisions concerning oral and electronic complaints, as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs’ standard operating procedure (SOP) on Zero FIR and e-FIR, his counsel submitted.

Following this, Additional Sessions Judge Sonu Agnihotri of the Saket court issued notice to Mr. Sarma and sought his response. The matter has been listed for hearing on July 15.