Gauhati High Court Appoints Fast-Track Judge for Zubeen Garg Death Trial
In a significant judicial development, the Gauhati High Court has appointed Sharmila Bhuyan, the District Judge of Baksa, to preside over an exclusive fast-track sessions court dedicated to conducting day-to-day trial proceedings in the death case of beloved singer Zubeen Garg. This appointment marks a crucial step in accelerating the legal process surrounding the high-profile incident.
Chief Minister Hails Judicial Milestone
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound gratitude to Justice Ashutosh Kumar, the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, for this nomination. In a post on his X handle, Sarma described the move as a "significant milestone" in the collective pursuit of justice for Zubeen Garg. He emphasized that this decisive action will greatly expedite the judicial process and reinforce the government's commitment to ensuring timely justice.
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."
Background and Government Action
This development follows the Assam Government's decision in February to seek a fast-track trial for the case involving the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. Announcing the cabinet decisions, Chief Minister Sarma stated that the State Cabinet approved the constitution of an exclusive or dedicated sessions court under the provisions of Section 346(1) BNSS, 2023. This was done considering the sensitivity of the matter and its potential implications for public order and governance credibility.
Sarma had earlier said, "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."
Details of Zubeen Garg's Death
Zubeen Garg, the iconic 52-year-old singer, passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025. According to a report by Lydia Lam in Channel NewsAsia (CNA), a Coroner's court was told that the singer was "severely intoxicated" and drowned in the waters off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket.
The chief investigating officer informed the court during the inquiry's opening that Garg was at a yacht party on September 19, 2025. He initially wore a life jacket but removed it and later declined to put on a second one offered to him. 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.
Family's Appeal for Justice
Earlier, the family of the late Assamese singer had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the constitution of a special court, an expedited trial in Assam, and appropriate diplomatic-legal intervention in Singapore following his death. This appeal underscores the widespread public and familial demand for a swift and transparent judicial process in this emotionally charged case.
The appointment of Judge Sharmila Bhuyan to oversee the fast-track court is seen as a direct response to these calls, aiming to ensure that justice is served efficiently and effectively in the tragic demise of Zubeen Garg.
