Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has appointed an exclusive fast-track sessions court to conduct day-to-day trial proceedings in the Zubeen Garg death case, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday.
Baksa district judge Sharmila Bhuyan has been appointed to preside over the fast-track court. Announcing the development, Sarma described it as a significant step towards ensuring timely justice in the case.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister said the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court had nominated Sharmila Bhuyan, currently serving as District Judge of Baksa, to head the dedicated court for expedited trial proceedings.
The State Cabinet had earlier approved the setting up of a special fast-track court in February. Sarma noted that the government had initially considered continuing the trial under the existing court, particularly as none of the accused had secured bail.
However, following a request from the victim’s family for an expedited hearing, the government decided to support the creation of a fast-track mechanism. “While continuity in the existing court was an option, we have honoured the family’s request in the larger interest of justice,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the move would help accelerate the judicial process and reaffirm the government’s commitment to delivering timely justice. He also expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar for accepting the State’s request and facilitating the arrangement.
Zubeen Garg had died under mysterious circumstances on September 19 last year in Singapore, where he had travelled to attend a cultural festival. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police filed a chargesheet in the case on December 12, naming seven accused, of whom four have been charged with murder.