New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked Assam authorities to ensure that the trial in the case linked to the death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg moves forward without unnecessary delay, while keeping the bail plea of accused event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta pending for further hearing.
A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan considered Mahanta’s bail plea in SLP (Crl.) No. 11523/2026. During the proceedings, the Assam government apprised the court of the progress being made before the fast-track court handling the case.
According to the state, the trial is being conducted on a day-to-day basis. As of August 14, statements of 94 out of the 394 prosecution witnesses listed in the case had reportedly been recorded.
Mahanta’s legal team pointed out that some significant witnesses located in Singapore were still to appear before the trial court. The Assam government told the Supreme Court that efforts were underway and their statements were expected to be recorded within the next two to three weeks. The state also submitted that these witnesses had already provided statements to the investigating officer during the investigation.
Taking note of the progress of the proceedings, the Supreme Court orally urged the Assam government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the trial is completed as expeditiously as possible.
The case relates to the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore in September 2025. Mahanta, who was associated with the North East India Festival that Garg had travelled to attend, has been facing criminal charges in the case. The allegations against him are subject to adjudication before the court.
The Supreme Court has now fixed October 5, 2026, for the next hearing on Mahanta’s bail plea.
The development comes as the trial continues before the designated fast-track court in Assam, with the prosecution examining a large number of witnesses in connection with the case.
