SC raps Assam govt over NRC coordinator Hitesh Dev Sarma's  communal posts on Facebook

The Supreme Court demanded an explanation from Assam government over allegations made against Hitesh Dev Sarma, state coordinator of NRC in Assam. There were allegations that Sarma had posted controversial remarks on his Facebook page prior to his appointment. According to various reports, the posts were communal in nature.

"He should not be saying all this. You (Assam government) have to explain this. Whatever you want. He should not be saying all this," a bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde observed after senior advocate Kapil Sibal drew attention to the alleged statement made by Sarma.

A petition also sought removal of the state coordinator, in addition to several other petitions filed relating to NRC in Assam. The bench issued notices to the Centre and Assam Govt and sought response within four weeks

Previously Barpeta MP Abdul Khaleq had submitted a letter to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal alleging that besides being "biased", Hitesh Dev Sharma is also an "untrustworthy" candidate for the post of state coordinator of NRC. Bringing up Dev Sharma's alleged stint on social media where he spoke out against NRC when the procedures were still ongoing, Khaleq reasoned that as per the constitution, if any government servant openly declares sides for any political party then he should be relieved from duty.

As such, "Hitesh Dev Sharma should not be given the new appointment as NRC coordinator in the State," Khaleq stated in the letter to the State Chief Minister.