Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded to the decision to transfer the case of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg to a fast-track court. Sarma emphasized that while the government can speed up the trial process, it cannot control judicial outcomes like bail grants. He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring swift justice but cautioned against holding the executive responsible for judiciary decisions.
Sarma reiterated the government’s non-interference in judicial proceedings and its respect for court independence. He highlighted that fast-track courts aim to expedite case resolutions, but legal procedures must adhere to due process and evidence-based judgments. Addressing criticism and public discourse on the case, CM Sarma stated that legal results should not be dictated by public sentiment alone.
The Chief Minister mentioned that festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sarma, and two bandmates have been in jail for five months due to the government’s strict stance on law and order. Sarma affirmed that the government does not show leniency in serious cases and expressed intentions to consult with Garg’s family before deciding on the fast-track court for the case.
Notably, murder charges were filed against Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sarma, Shekhar Goswami, and Amritprabha Mahanta by the Special Investigation Team regarding the sudden death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore last year. The move of the Zubeen Garg-related case to a fast-track court has sparked public discussions, with demands for prompt justice from various sections of society.
CM Sarma urged for patience and trust in the legal system, emphasizing that justice should proceed without politicization. He clarified that the government’s role is to facilitate a fair and timely legal process, not to influence court verdicts.
