The Gauhati High Court has formally appointed an exclusive fast-track sessions court to conduct day-to-day trial proceedings in the Zubeen Garg case. The move, announced on Thursday, follows a specific request from the Assam State Cabinet aimed at ensuring a time-bound judicial process for the late singer’s death investigation.
Baksa District Judge Sharmila Bhuyan has been nominated by the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to preside over the exclusive sessions court. The development was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who characterized the appointment as a “significant milestone” in the pursuit of justice.
The case pertains to the death of the 52-year-old iconic singer, who passed away on September 19 last year. Garg was in Singapore to attend the fourth North East India Festival when the incident occurred while he was swimming in the sea.
Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched an intensive probe. The SIT subsequently filed a chargesheet before a local court, naming seven individuals as accused in the matter.
The transition to a fast-track format comes after the state cabinet decided last month to approach the High Court for an expedited hearing mechanism. Chief Minister Sarma expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for the swift administrative response.
“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,” Sarma stated in a post on X.
He further noted that the appointment “will greatly expedite the judicial process and it reinforces our commitment to ensuring timely justice.” The Chief Minister also extended “heartfelt gratitude” to Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar for his support in strengthening the cause of justice.
With the appointment of Judge Bhuyan, the court is expected to begin day-to-day hearings to examine the evidence and testimony presented in the SIT’s chargesheet.
