GUWAHATI: The legal proceedings surrounding the death of prominent Assamese singer Zubeen Garg have escalated as the Kamrup (Metro) District and Sessions Court officially acknowledged Case No. 256/2025 on Monday, setting the stage for trial proceedings to begin.
The atmosphere at the court was somber, reflecting the seriousness of a case that has significantly impacted Assam’s cultural and social landscape. Zubeen Garg’s name, once associated with vibrant concerts and devoted fans, now resonates within courtrooms amid complex legal debates and procedural steps, compounded by a hefty 12,000-page investigation report.
Due to serious concerns regarding security and public order, the court has mandated that the seven accused appear via video conferencing from jails in Baksa and Haflong. Among those facing murder charges under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddhartha Sharma, and singer Amritprava Mahanta. Zubeen Garg’s cousin, Sandipan Garg, is charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while two personal security officers (PSOs) of the late singer face allegations of criminal conspiracy.
The hearing also exposed significant infrastructural deficiencies within the prosecution system. Senior advocate Apurba Sarma highlighted that although the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had provided the chargesheet in digital format on a USB drive, the Public Prosecutor reportedly lacked the essential facilities to access and review them. “It is unfortunate,” Sarma remarked to the media. “Is it practically possible for a single prosecutor to go through a 12,000-page chargesheet without adequate support? The government must ensure the necessary infrastructure, reinforce the prosecution team, and consider establishing a fast-track court to facilitate timely justice.”
The defense has raised similar concerns regarding access to digital documents. In response, the court ordered the SIT to supply hard copies of the chargesheet to all accused within a week.
This case has placed the Guwahati legal community in a challenging position. The All Assam Lawyers’ Association previously advised its members against representing the accused, yet advocate Gabriel Sahoo entered the courtroom to represent Amritprava Mahanta on Monday.
Senior advocate Bijon Mahajan emphasized the legal significance of upcoming hearings. While no bail applications were made on Monday, he noted that the two PSOs might apply for “default bail” since the chargesheet was filed 24 days past the statutory 60-day timeline. The court has scheduled January 3, 2026, for the framing of charges.
As the judicial process continues, legal professionals stress that a case of this magnitude requires more than symbolic gestures. For a trial that has shaken the very foundation of Assam, they argue that the state must allocate sufficient resources and institutional support to uphold the rule of law and honor the legacy of one of its most celebrated cultural icons.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/assam/zubeen-garg-death-case-trial-begins-in-sessions-court
Category: Assam
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Publish Date: 2025-12-22 21:20:00
