Zubeen Garg Case: Gauhati HC Appoints Judge for Fast-Track Trial

Gauhati High Court appoints Sharmila Bhuyan to head a fast-track court for the Zubeen Garg death case trial. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the move, calling it a milestone in the pursuit of justice for the late singer.

Fast-Track Court Appointed for Zubeen Garg Case

In a major development in the singer Zubeen Garg's death case, the Gauhati High Court has appointed Sharmila Bhuyan, District Judge of Baksa, to preside over an exclusive fast-track sessions court to conduct day-to-day trial proceedings of the case.

Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his gratitude to Justice Ashutosh Kumar, the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, for the nomination, calling it a "significant milestone" in the "pursuit of justice" for Zubeen Garg.

Taking to his X handle, Sarma wrote, "Today marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of justice in the beloved Zubeen Garg murder case. The Hon'ble Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court has been pleased to nominate Smt. Sharmila Bhuyan, presently serving as District Judge, Baksa, to preside over an exclusive fast-track sessions court for conducting day-to-day trial proceedings in this matter."

He continued, "This decisive step will greatly expedite the judicial process and reinforce our commitment to ensuring timely justice. I express my deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Honble Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court, for accepting our request and for his unwavering support in strengthening the cause of justice." https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/2034527137097740590

Background of the Decision

This development comes after the Assam Government decided to seek the trial of the case of the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg in a fast-track court in February.

Announcing the cabinet decisions, the Chief Minister said, "The State Cabinet has approved the constitution of an Exclusive/ Dedicated Sessions Court as per provisions of Section 346(1) BNSS, 2023, for the day-to-day trial of the case relating to the demise of Zubeen Garg considering the sensitivity of the matter and its potential implications for public order and governance credibility."

"We will request the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court to set up a fast-track court/ exclusive court for the day-to-day trial. We will send the cabinet decision to the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court," the Chief Minister said.

Details of Singer's Demise

Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025. The singer was "severely intoxicated" and had drowned in the waters off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket, a Coroner's court was told, according to a report by Lydia Lam in Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

The iconic singer, 52, was at a yacht party on September 19, 2025, and initially wore a life jacket but removed it and later declined to put on a second one offered to him, the chief investigating officer told the court in the opening of the inquiry, according to the news report.

At the time of the incident, he was "heavily intoxicated", and several witnesses saw him attempting to swim back to the yacht before he went limp and began floating face-down in the water, the report said.

Family's Appeal for Intervention

Earlier, the family of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the constitution of a special court, expedited trial in Assam and appropriate diplomatic-legal intervention in Singapore following his death on September 19, 2025. (ANI)

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