Guwahati: In a significant development in the case relating to the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, the Assam Cabinet has approved the formation of a dedicated fast-track court to conduct day-to-day hearings (Zubeen Garg Case). The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday night at the Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur and chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister announced that the State government will formally request the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to constitute a special fast-track court for the trial of the case. He said the Cabinet has approved moving a proposal seeking the constitution of an exclusive sessions court under Section 346(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to enable daily hearings.
“The Cabinet has approved the formation of a dedicated court for the day-to-day trial of the case. We will place a request before the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. Thereafter, the Chief Justice will take a decision on the constitution of the court and the proceedings,” Sarma said.
He added that the High Court will appoint a judge and issue necessary guidelines for the functioning of the special court, while the State government will extend all logistical and infrastructural support required for smooth proceedings.
Sarma further stated that the government had earlier considered allowing the trial to continue before the present judge, as no accused in the case has secured bail so far. “We felt that keeping the case with the existing court could also ensure continuity. But since the family has asked for a fast-track mechanism, we have accepted their request in the larger interest of justice,” he said.
Calling the matter emotionally and socially significant, the Chief Minister remarked that the decision was taken in view of growing public interest and the family’s demand for an expedited trial. “This case has emotional and social significance. The family members have publicly sought a fast-track trial. Respecting their demand, the Cabinet has decided to move forward with this proposal,” he added.
Garima Saikia Garg Reacts: “Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied”
Soon after the Cabinet decision, Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, reacted both before the media and through a detailed social media post.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, she said that from the very beginning, the family had sought a speedy hearing and quick justice. According to her, the demand for a special fast-track court was raised to ensure that the trial proceeds without delay and that justice is delivered within the framework of law.
She noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising senior police officials, had already filed the charge sheet within three months. The SIT, she said, conducted a detailed and thorough investigation, identified the accused on the basis of appropriate evidence and proof, and confirmed that it was a case of murder. She also recalled that the Chief Minister had earlier described the incident as a “planned murder,” a point that has also been mentioned by the SIT.
“Our main objective now is that all the already established facts be properly presented and firmly established before the court,” she said.
Garima stressed that the trial process must be “water-tight” and conducted swiftly and correctly. She made it clear that the family does not want the accused to secure bail and walk free while the case is underway. “The accused must receive the strictest of punishments at the earliest,” she said, adding that the matter deserves special consideration from the judiciary.
In a strongly worded remark, she stated, “The demons and monsters must be destroyed”, underscoring her anguish over the incident. At the same time, she expressed faith in the justice delivery system, saying that the trust of crores of people must be upheld through a fair and decisive verdict.
In her social media post, Garima wrote that for a long time various sections of society had been demanding a dedicated court to ensure daily hearings exclusively for Zubeen Garg’s case. As a family member, she said, they too had publicly expressed their opinion that the trial should be completed within the shortest possible time, following all legal procedures, and that punishment must be awarded to the accused.
She pointed out that the case is between the State of Assam and the accused, and that the prosecution depends on the government in power. Therefore, ensuring punishment for the offender is the responsibility and accountability of the State. Quoting the phrase “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said the family wants the already confirmed facts to be established in court without unnecessary delay.
“Zubeen is not just ours; he belongs to the entire Assamese society,” she wrote, adding that the views of the people are extremely important to them. She said that not only the family but the entire State is waiting with intense anticipation for the day when the accused receive the strictest possible punishment.
Garima further expressed hope that charge framing would be completed in March and that the case would thereafter move forward at speed. “If we see justice delivered to Zubeen Garg, we will get an answer, we will get direction. We are deeply disturbed, and the whole of Assam is unsettled. Let stability return,” she said, reiterating that the judicial process must proceed swiftly and properly to restore public confidence.
With the Cabinet’s approval now in place, the next step lies with the Gauhati High Court, which will take a call on constituting the special court and issuing guidelines for its functioning.
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