Muslim 'Takeover' Video: Supreme Court issues notice to Assam BJP

The Supreme Court has taken action on a plea seeking the removal of an AI-generated video published by Assam BJP in its X handle that allegedly shows Assam being taken over by Muslims if the BJP loses the upcoming Assembly elections in 2026. The court has asked social media platform X and the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to respond to the plea.

The video, posted on September 15, depicts individuals with skullcaps and beards taking over key Assam landmarks such as tea estates and Guwahati airport, along with Rang Ghar in Sivsagar and leisure spot Accoland in Guwahati. According to the petitioners, this content violates secular values and promotes communal disharmony.

Notices have been issued to both X and the BJP's Assam unit, with a hearing scheduled for October 27. The petitioners argue that the video's removal is necessary to prevent further unrest, given its significant reach – 4.6 million views, 19,000 likes, and over 6,100 reposts.

This petition is part of a larger group of cases related to hate speech against Muslims. These cases include incidents from 2021 in Delhi and Haridwar where speakers made inflammatory remarks and called for a "Hindu nation."

Among the petitions is one filed by Anjana Prakash, a former Patna High Court judge, and journalist Qurban Ali. They want action taken against those who organized hate assemblies. Another petition, filed by Delhi BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, proposes creating a specific law to address hate speech and misinformation. This idea is based on a 2017 recommendation by the Law Commission of India.